in need of technical assistance

[MERC44ci]

to make a long story short I am restoring a Mk55H. The problem I have is that I believe the crank journals were cut down. The rods are 600-4's
but when I used the called for needle bearings there is way too much play.
The motor was at one time worked on by Dick O'dea racing however he is no longer with us. I need assistance if it is possible to figure out what are the
proper needle bearings I need to obtain to complete the rebuild of the powerhead. Am I using the wrong connecting rods?

[Mark75H]

If the journals are altered, a crank replacement would be easier. The 55H used the std Merc 4 cyl crank of that era, there are probably millions of them out there

[Ron Hill]

Dick O'Dea was still alive last month and I have not heard differently..

There are millions of crans around, in fact I threw one and a block away last spring...I'll keep an eye open for one..

[crankbearing]

Have you mic'd the journal what are you coming up with. You should have 600-4 rods and 29-20046 bearings.

The journals depending on the crank should be in the .8800 - .8810 range. the newer cranks may come up at .882 but that would be in the 44 era of crankshafts.

You need some play there Ideally with the rod in the middle of the journal and the bolts torqued to 180In lbs you should have about .095" of a wobble back and forth.

Regards,