Sorry buddy, I don’t understand what you are describing about a dowel poking into the bore….
Why is it that you pulled this powerhead apart? These powerheads are pretty rugged, and don’t wear out or get damaged easily.
You mention the crank journals measured evenly, how did the bearing/retainers/rod look?
Perhaps there is wear on the wrist pin side of the rod causing the rod to feel sloppy…
