I'm rebuilding the head, it's off the car but the crank wont turn by hand anymore. It used to just fine until the battery died. I think it might be the starter was engaged when the battery died and is stuck in that position.

Any ideas on how to free it up?

Thanks.

 

The starter shouldn't be engaged. It uses a solenoid to push the starter gear out and engage. So if it doesn't have any power going to it it shouldn't be engaged.

 

Might as well pull the starter just to see if the motor turns without it in there. If it still wont turn you know something else is causing the issue.