Can't start motor after replacing hydraulic lash adjusters

As stated i believe there is interference as the motor will no longer turn over by hand. the Engine was in perfect running order before dissasembly.

I had removed the valve cover, front timing gear, valve lash adjuster assembly. I replaced the hydraulic lash adjusters and reinstalled everything back into the head as it came apart. I set the first piston at TDC and made sure the 1 on the upper gear was facing the arrow on the head before reinstalling the timing belt.

I tired starting the motor and it would rotate a portion of a full rotation and then stop and the starter would just whine. I tried turning it over by hand and it will only turn a 1/4 rotation.

It is clear that there is some sort of interference and my only thought is that possibly the upper timing gear is not installed properly. Is there any way to confirm i have installed it properly or anything else i can try.

thanks in advance

I suggest you check your timing marks of the cam gear and crankshaft gear and see if they line up at the TDC reference marks while the distributor rotor under the cap is pointing to the #1 spark plug terminal of the distributor cap. You need to do a timing belt installation procedure if these three reference points don't line up.

I am almost 100% sure they will not line up. can you point me in the correct direction in how to go about the timing belt procedure.

thank you

Did you check the crank shaft pulley marks was also at TDC with the cam gear? Also turning the engine with the spark plugs out would make it easier when turning with hand tools. Do you have a workshop manual or Haynes repair manual?

This site showing below has a tech section under General Discussion on the timing belt procedure.

You need to first off tear the whole front off the motor because that is the only way your are going to be able to check all of the timing components.