1996 Tigershark Montego Tight Connecting Rod

[pnwski]

I recently purchased a 1996 Tigershark Montego jet ski that the previous owner ran out of oil. After a full teardown of the engine, I only found 3 major issues, light scoring of the cylinder walls, melted pistons, and one of the connecting rods is stiff to move on the side connected to the crankshaft. The pistons and cylinder walls I can fix, but no idea about the connecting rod. I'm wondering if I should just let the whole crankshaft and rods sit in some oil for a few days to get everything lubricated, would this be an issue, are there any shops that can fix this? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Engine is a Suzuki 640cc

 

[pnwski]

Its also worth noting that I found no rust anywhere inside the engine, and when I held down the crankshaft and moved the rod back and forth it didn't feel crunchy or rusty.

 

[zipper]

If I had a "stiff" connecting rod crank bearing I would take it apart to inspect it from the lower end. Take the connecting rod bearing cap off to inspect the bearings and the journals for any damage. I would also mike (micrometer) the crank journal as well as the connecting rod journal then check the specifications for these parts in the service manual. You may be able to clean up the bearing tollerance with fine wet or dry sand paper in oil. I would use plastiguage to check the clearance between the crank journal and the bearing. If it was out of spec. I would buy the appropriate bearing with a + or - tolerance, depending on the spec and actual measurements.

 

[pnwski]

I wish I could, but the thing with old jet ski crankshafts is that you need special tools to disassemble them. Its also impossible to remove the rod with entirely disassembling the crankshaft.