Gas

I replaced the head got it all timed and when tighten intake to spec i can only turn the engine over 1/4 turn by hand with it loose it turns of easy by hand. Not sure what the issue is now

donbrew

Compression stroke?

Gas

Turn off tdc so yes it would be a compression stoke but no plugs are in so there would be no compression

Lucky

Welcome to the site

I'm unclear on tighten intake?

If your saying that after you tighten down the head you can't turn over the motor with the plugs out then the pistons are hitting the valves or the head it's self.

I'm guessing maybe you have a remanufactured head and I would be wondering if the head has been milled down too far.

Grizzly old man

You did put the head gasket in,... right?

Gas

With exhaust cam tightened to spec engine spins freely but once I tighten the intake cam to specs the engine will only turn 1/4 off tdc before stopping this is all done by hand

firemangeorge

Sounds like an error in timing component alignment. Time for a double check on those timing marks.
Maybe a picture or 2 of how you have it aligned will help us identify any errors you may have made.

Fwiw. From other pictures/posts I've seen, it seems the Ecotec engines can be a little tricky to line up if you haven't done one before.
Good picture in this link, post #4. https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...-timing-50253/
Notice that the sprockets line up with one exhaust, one intake.

donbrew

And the crankshaft TDC Mark is NOT at 180, more like 170.

Gas

Once I figure out how to post pics I will. But all marks line up to the marks on the chain.

donbrew

You could follow the link in my sig, or type "how to post pictures" into the search box, or scroll through the stickys in the "How to" section.