I get the concern about shimming so I won't go that direction. I will re-measure the journals again and if they're within tolerance I'll lube it up as you recommend. Turning the engine by hand is really difficult without the use of a hand crank on the flywheel. By hand I can only move it an inch at a time. I've never worked on a 235 engine before so is that normal or should it turn easier to turn.
