I had a similar problem with my R175 as well.. I bought the engine in June 2010 and while going thru it, I found the fuel lever would not move, so a quick inspection showed the sliding fuel rack on the inj pump to be siezed. It was hell taking it apart .. and like you, I dunno what kind of assembly lube was used at the factory, but that rotating barrel/piston that is geared to the rack was just about glued in there with what looked like polymerized WVO 
Took some time to gently remove and clean that piece and reassembled with ATF. The rack then slid back and forth with ease.
Took some time to gently remove and clean that piece and reassembled with ATF. The rack then slid back and forth with ease.