You've got something VERY wrong there, I think. A starter should spin an engine without plugs in it like mad, with very little effort. Being overseas is really complicating the matter for you, if you were Stateside you could simply return it to the selling Dealer and get another one.

I bought a Goodwrench engine for a customer one time and installed it in his Vette. Very good value for the money. It fired up right out of the box and ran great, but even they build a bad one now and then.

If it were me I would be on the phone with the dealer explaining that I am trying to do the right thing, that is why I went through all this trouble up front to pretest it. I would tell them a known good starter won't crank the engine without plugs, that should clue them in enough to realize you have something abnormal here. That engine is too tight and I don't think it is piston friction doing it, perhaps too tight bearing clearance?

Not sure what the routine is for you guys in other countries, so you will have to get to the right person at your dealer and get some answers. I don't think it is wise or realistic for you to be tearing into a new motor to check clearances and stuff.

Good luck.

Don