Connecting Rod Orientation 1988 Force 50

[buckwheat34]

In the Clymer Manual it says" the connecting rods must be correctly oriented during re-assembly". In "figure 82" it shows a "notch up" and intake baffel to the starbord side. When I took the engine apart and dis-assembled the connecting rods, I marked them for orientation as they came out of the cylinder and off the crankshaft. On one side of the connecting rod and cap seam I have a "V" notch as shown in the picture and on the other side it has a rectangle notch. When I dis-assembled them from the crankshaft originally the rectangle notch faced up in the motor. I'm reassembling exactally as they came out of the motor, "retangle notch up". The photo shows a "V" notch on both sides of the seam. Is it correct for the rectangle notch to be up? All parts are new with the exception of the rods & caps and crankshaft. Thanks, buckwheat34

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Connecting Rod Orientation 1988 Force 50

With the piston in its correct position, that is with the baffle facing the bypass ports, the correct rod orientation is with the v notch up. Looking at the engine from the rear, the piston baffls should have the sharp or curved surface facing right and the sloping surface toward the exhaust ports--left. This provides reference when you are assembling the piston/rod outside of the engine.

However, I don't see any problem with the notch down. The square or rectangular notches provide an escape for old oil to drain from the bearing, but so do the v notches, just less.

 

[buckwheat34]

Re: Connecting Rod Orientation 1988 Force 50

So I'll assume it was installed incorrectly from the factory because the engine has never been taken apart before. I do have the rod and pistons assembled with the "V" notch down, but could take them apart and assemble them correctly. Is there any risk in changing them to the proper configuration at this point or am I just wasting my time? The engine ran fine prior to the teardown, other than the compression problem caused by the broken ring.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Connecting Rod Orientation 1988 Force 50

If you want to do the extra work, there is no risk.

Factory also says to keep rollers and cages with the same crankpin but I have mixed rollers and small end needles from different engines with no problems. Just as long as they are in good condition and clean.

 

[buckwheat34]

Re: Connecting Rod Orientation 1988 Force 50

I'll leave them as is. Your the greatest Frank! Thanks again, Buckwheat34