MGB Engine Rebuild on 74 MGB

[tomp]

A number of years ago I overhauled the engine in my 74B. I had the the block bored .020" and replaced the pistons. Last fall I diagnosed at least one cylinder had broken a compression ring. (low compression in no. 3 and Cylinder leak-down confirmed it.) I tore down the motor last week and discovered that all 4 Cyl. top compression rings were broken. Upon disassembly I found that two of the four pistons were pressed on the rods differently. I stamped ([censored] punched the rod caps) to indicated the position of the rods when removed(1 to 4 and camshaft side forward). after inspection the pistons I noticed that the side of the rods where the lube hole is drilled is on the opposite side of the camshaft. I've always believed the that hole is there to lube the thrust side of the cylinder wall (which I believe would be the Camshaft side of the block). I cannot determine which side the lube hole in the rod should face in all of my manuals. I am replacing the pistons and boring the block to .030" oversize. I want to press the pistons on the rods correctly( I had the machine shop do it the last time) so that the front of the piston is correctly positioned with the rods and the oil port in the rod.
My question are: Which side of the block does the oil port in the rod face? Camshaft side or the other? Could this have caused the broken ring issue?
Thanks
Tom

 

[Stewart]

I know I asked this question last fall but I can't remember the answer. I would give Hap a call at the acme speed shop as he will know.

 

[Hap Waldrop]

The oil hole in the rod beam faces away from the camshaft.

 

[Stewart]

speak of the devil

 

[tomp]

Thanks Hap for the feedback. The rods were pressed into the piston correctly then.
Tom