On the Homelight it shouldn't make any difference for the needle bearing.

This bearing was designed for crankpin duty and typically the forged crankpins had a fillet on the end next to the counterweight. The Homelite has a drill rod (pressed in) crank pin if I remember correctly? and it shouldn't make any difference. Some one with a crank handy please refresh me on this?

It's more important to observe the ring gap position relative to the ports.

Enjoy