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My aerovee is assembled and ready to hang on the engine mount. Before I do so I'd like to confirm how stiff or loose the engine should be when rotated by hand (socket on the prop bolt) with the spark plugs out. I'm guessing it's a difficult thing to describe but I'd like to have at least a min comfort level before proceeding. In my case, rotating thru say 2 revolutions I'll "feel" varying degrees of resistance... some spots stiffer than others... no unusual noise or clicking ...just not sure what is right. It would be very difficult to attempt to turn crank via the prop hub without using a wrench. There is no oil in the engine...just the grease and lubes required for assembly. Any thoughts or advice would be welcome. I'm also curious oil vs no oil as the engine sits waiting to be started...it might be some time before that actually happens.
Peter

I understand your concerns. It's a very stiff engine. Even now at 300 hours ( with the plugs in and a prop) it does not turn easy. I think if I where you, after you hang the engine and have the starter system hooked up, I would do the suggested run with the battery to build oil pressure and distribute the oil through the engine. The tightness is evident in the first 25 hours in that the oil usage was measured in ounces not quarts like the engine in my old Cessna. Oil usage is more like a car than an airplane engine.