Tom...
...My Very good friend,neighbor,and partner in crime,Bob,has some stuff he wants to relate to you .He is a lifelong mechanic and teaches it to High schoolers.Bob....
Hey Tom, Before you spend any money, before you get a replacement engine, before you do anything else,,,,,,,, remove that flywheel and actually confirm the crank condition. Until you do....you are guessing and could make a costly mistake. I could quote you a dozen stories about wierd things happening on engines where the answer seems obvious but further investigation proves some other unexpected thing has occured. Once the flywheel is removed, you can grasp the end of the crank itself and shake it. Then you'll know for sure. Good Luck.
NightTrain,again....we were discuussing your plight over an adult beverage or 12,and came up w/ so many possible scenarios that it could be,Tom,that it was rediculous!All involved taking off the flywheel,first.....We rootin' for ya,bro...keep yo head up!!:cheers: