I used commonly available Muriatic acid and green Scotchbrite to "melt" the aluminum off the journal. Mine had seized and it looked like it was severely damaged, but it wasn't

Use the appropriate protective gear when working with acid and don't breath the fumes that occur when it disolves the aluminum.

Well you don't give the model number and there is more than one V 16 hp B&S engine. SOME of these do not offer a connecting rod by its' self, you buy the crankshaft and both rods as a set.

Walt Conner