just installed engine cant get it to turn by hand

[tampamatt]

to get the torque converter nuts on and tightened.(I have two on need the other two so I need to turn that crank over. Its a 93 5.0 mated to an automatic tranny from 94. All of it worked before I took it out (in the history of home efforts those are famous last words I am sure) I took the engine out for all new gaskets seals and freeze plugs. Did the general cleanup while I was at it including cleaning out the entire pvc passage ways. wow were those clogged.
So perhaps morning dew got in the intake and froze up the pistons? had it covered rags with plastic over it. Condensation? Paranoid? flywheel bolts over torqued?
Right now the engine is mated to the trans. no wires no serpentine belt no fan.
Can I put the starter on and give it a quick bump?

[jonmark1985]

I'd hold off using the starter.

Sometimes you can use a belt to turn the engine. A flexplate tool will alow you to turn the engine. Or you may be able to turn the engine with the harmonic balancer bolt. Be careful that you don't damage the bolt though.

[bkf77]

Did the studs on the converter go through the flexplate? If the studs didn't line up with the holes, you may have the flexplate in a bind which would make it difficult to turn over. Just something to consider.