Ok, long story short, engine went bad in my 96 neon, replaced it with a stratus engine ( swapped all components.) Put everything back together, tried to start it and it won't turn over all the way. It seems to get really close but just won't, and the starter smokes ( doesn't billow out, just a little but enough to notice.) The einge won't turn freely ( I tried turning it by crank with a break bar and it didn't budge.) anyone have any idea's PLEASE let me know as soon as possible.

 

Did ya check the engine for proper turning before installing it???
And then once you initially intalled it???

If not we would be chasing our tails trying to guess.

Pull the starter and check to see if it spins freely if not the pull the motor and check again. Once you have a starting point you can then check for clearance problems as the units go back together and have an idea of where the problems lies.

Ie. if it works good on the ground and then locks when bolted in then you may have a clearance issue between the tranny and engine. Improperly seated clutch or not enough space for flexplate and torque converter. etc. If it still works and then binds when you install the starter then maybe a shim problem. Etc., etc., etc.