95 TT. So the engine is in the car but the top is apart including the valve covers off. Timing belt still on. The problem symptom (and reason for disassembly) is the engine binds on rotation in a couple of spots and requires an excessive amount of force to rotate in certain areas using a wrench on the crank bolt. The timing belt marks all line up except I can't see the crank mark without removing the belt and crank pulley. My question is: is a failure mode of gummed hydraulic lifters (severe engine varnish) to seize which would cause the engine to bind on rotation in certain spots or could this be due to something else? Does this sound like the hydraulic lifters all need to be cleaned or replaced? I am hoping I don't have a bent valve but can't be sure and unsure of how to determine this without pulling the engine and further disassembly. Another note is that plugs 1,3,5 were all severely carbon fouled prior to engine disassembly (2,4,6 good).
Follow Ups
Engine binding on rotation in certain spots - zman0318:12:44 09/06/25
