Big end shell notches

[Shedman]

Hi  i am in the process of rebuilding a 1971 a65 motor. I am ready to fit new billet rods to the crankshaft and am not sure if the big end shells notches should face the exhaust or the inlet side of the motor. The rods i took out had the drive side notches facing the exhaust and the bush side facing the inlet so im thinking it was only 50% correct at best. What is the correct fitment? and is it that important that they both face the right way. Ive looked through my books and cannot find any infomation.    Cheers Jim

[Bess]

Hi,
    It doesn't matter. However if the drive side con rod has an improved lubrication hole it must be fitted facing inboard. These holes were recommended for engines after Feb 1965 (service sheet 116).

Best wishes...

[Servodyne]

Pictorially, they are shown facing the exhaust in the BSA 71 parts catalogue. Confusingly the 750 Commando parts catalogue shows the rod shells facing the exhaust and the cap shells facing the inlet, I suppose just to edge their bets. 
I'm with Bess, I don't think it matters so long as the bleed holes are in the right place.

[Bess]

Hi,
    Here's a pic of a drive side A65 con rod showing the lub hole and notches. It reinforces Servodynes observations, if fitted with the lubrication hole facing inboard the notches would be facing the exhaust.

Best wishes...

[Shedman]

The new billet rods do not have the bleed/lube holes in them. I am going to fit them notches to the exhaust side as thats where the advice is pointing. Thanks for your help.

[Bess]

Hi Shedman,
                   Maybe worth considering these service sheets before fitting the new rods:

Best wishes.