Most ppl are told to leave them out because when they go bad they tend to put a big fat window in the block, nobody wants that.
That said, some ppl replace the needle bearings/shafts that are worn and don't intend to run them over recommended rpm's, so they would be safe to use them.
A lot of ppl can't tell the difference with them in or out, others do see a difference but most agree it is not a big difference.
and IIRR the 16 hp don't come with them.
So it is your call.
You can't go wrong leaving them out, as no window effect will present itself.
