While the knose of the crank may not be accustom to as much load as the reduction unit "might" generate it should not be drastic. The front of the crank normaly drives all of an engines acc.'s while the rear of the crank sends power to the transimission on an automotive engine. The gear reduction unit should not be putting enough side load to cause any problems. I have to say that after more thought I think you might be right on the money that the low oil temp and 20W50 are the problem. I also think that cam wear is more likely then the mains wearing abnormaly. Mains get a lot of oil really quickly!!! If any bearing was affected by the low oil temp.'s and thick viscosity I would think that the rod bearings would take the hit first!!
I don't remember his last name. I think he was out of Georgia.
He was into turbo Datsun years ago (mid-70's?) and those were some of his cars.
Bryan Feldman used to work for him. www.bryanf.com
