Yeah, if you've got a bent sandwich plate it'll push against the flywheel hence making the engine hard to turn over! Hopefully that'll solve your problem!
I had this on the forged engine, turned out the oil pump and pistons where fucked. You replaced the oil pump? Not exactly sure what was causing it though
Just make sure you have oil pressure by cranking over with EFI Fuse removed and king lead out. Should get oil pressure straight away and then fire her up
I just took a timing belt of a 4efte and the timing seems to be miles off! If i just follow the below guide before fitting the new belt that should be ok? http://mearcatmini.blogspot.co.uk/2010/07/4e-timing-belt-change.html