camshaft won't turn after valve job

Hello! I'm installing my cylinder head after a valve job. Got the cams reinstalled per FSM and they won't turn (using the bolt on end of exhaust cam) freely. This is after a valve job.

There doesn't appear to be any thrust at all on either the exhaust or intake cam.

I did make a boo-boo when taking the cams off after I got it back from the machine shop and didn't remove the bearing caps in order. Could I have I damaged the thrust portion of the head, on both cams? I didn't pry the bearing caps off or anything, just that the cams had some tilt as they were being removed -- rookie mistake...but really hoping not the cause of my issue.

Any insight appreciated!

 

It takes a lot of force to turn them because the cams have to compress the valve springs. Did you try a longer wrench on the hexagonal part of the cams between cylinder 2 & 3? Also, did you put oil on the bearings before reinstalling the bearing caps?

Even if the bearings were damaged I'd think they'd still turn with enough force.

Also, turn the crankshaft away from top-dead-center (TDC) just to be sure the valves aren't hitting the pistons.

 

Thanks DrZ. I figured there was some force needed to overcome from the valve springs. I might have mis- interpreted the FSM where it says the cams should turn smoothly, I took for somewhat freely. I am/was also a bit concerned there is no thrust at all - is this normal?

I did oil the bearings, lobs, shims, etc.

I was at TDC so hopefully I didn't cause any harm there (I only rotated it a few degrees). I spun the camshafts a rotation now that I'm not at TDC and I'm going to assume everything is ok. Time to time everything up and install the timing gear I suppose.

Thanks again.
Jeff