CJ7 Hard to start

[benXJ]

I've got this CJ7 with a non-factory 304 (original bit the dust) with a TBI fuel injection kit on it. There is an external electric fuel pump at the tank. It has been tuned, and runs fairly well. Takes a while for the idle to even out on cold starts, but other than that it is ok. Runs slightly rich, but the person tuning it said thats about all he could do. Anyway, after driving around getting the engine to operating temp, and the engine is shut off, when you try to crank it right back up (within 5 minutes or so) it sounds as if the engine is 'binding'...it is hard to turn over. The starter turns it over, just very slowly. On cold starts it cranks over fine, the starter and battery cables have been replaced recently thinking that was the problem, but that did not solve it. After letting it cool down, the problem goes away. The starter/exhaust manifold are in the stock locations, so I don't think there is a heat issue. Kinda stumped, and want to tackle it this weekend.

Thanks