You can remove the timing cover in the car, with the timing cover off loosen the bolt in the center of the cam gear, see if the engine will turn over, if so the end play is wrong, there are some books that show you a picture of the timing marks with the chain installed however many are wrong, use a Motors manual or a Ford shop manual.

Which books?  The book by James Eichman has the timing pictured incorrectly so if by that book, it's probably incorrect.  I don't think that could cause a problem with flat top pistons, as far as turning the engine, with the Isky 301444 since the lift is .425".

Pull the distributor to make sure it's not locking the cam for some reason.  If not, then I'm thinking that you reassembled the washers and spacers in front of the cam in the wrong order and it no longer has end play.  Here is a recent thread about that.  http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/Topic145717.aspx


Lawrenceville, GA

The timing marks were positioned as stated in the books.  Never did check end play (what is the end play suppose to be) or turn it over before the timing chain was installed.  Wasn't familiar with Y-blocks & since it was a fresh rebuild thought things would be OK.  Anyway to determine tappet positions or anything else with the engine in the frame.  Or just take it out and take it apart.

3 things to check, first did you time it right?,2nd did you check the end play of the camshaft after install? 3rd did the cam turn free before you installed the timing chain?

Rebuilt engine and engine turned over fine with socket.  Replaced cam with Isky 30144 and all went well.  Now the engine will not turn over by hand.  Took off tranny, clutch, flywheel, plugs and clothes pinned each valve push rod up with clothes pin.  Still not turn. Could it be something to do with the tappets & cam - as everything went in fine when installing.  Don't want to take engine our and tear it down, hopefully something simple I'm missing