I am in the process of rebuilding a 700 engine after, I think, it blew a gasket and leaked coolant in the case. Anyway I am putting in new crank bearings, the split ones and when I torque the case down to specified values, the crank seizes to the crank and I can't spin it. If I drop in the old bearings and torque it down, it spins freely. I am hesitant to use them though, as they are showing some signs of wear. They are standard size bearings, is there a right or wrong way to put them in? Seems like they can go in, in any orientation. Never dealt with the split bearing style before, but seems pretty straight forward.

 

I may have figured it out, it is the only thing that makes sense. The new block I got from Ebay was listed as a 2004. It turns out that is actually from a 2005 or newer. The only thing that I can think of is the bearing journal on the 2005 is slightly smaller, which is pinching the crank with new bearings. I don't know if that is it, but it would make sense...

 

If you go look at the parts diagrams the bearings for an 04 and 05 are the same number, even later years. Any chance you got the wrong bearings? OEM or aftermarket "crankshaft kit"