Proptop,
Without the bearings installed, the crank journal seems fine and turns freely in it's bore. With the bearings, it binds so I suspect a twist in the weak, ported area of the crank-or even the case. Can't be seen by eye or crude mearsing devices. The front bearing has way too much play between the races - but I think it's mostly due to being a crappy quality rather than being damaged. However, as it turns out, I have the correct new bearings (all I have to do is pull the seals and flush the grease) and they are much better quality than the originals so I'll try it again. The rod is bent - just barely enough to see by eye and but enough to add much to the binding feel at the crank.
Later