Moss Motors, Ltd

I'm rebuilding my 1972 MGB engine and bought new pistons and rods.  When pistons are mounted on rods it is impossible to face the part marked "front" on the piston to the front. 

 I'm guessing their is an orientation for the Rod, based on thrust, but can't find anything in the Haynes manual.  Does anyone know?

dorn,

Pistons vary in markings and such from one manufacturer to another, and we've gotten some annoying ones as well. If there is ANY arrow or "FRONT" marking, get that mark as reasonably correct as you can.

Concerning rod/piston orientation, if you have the straight cut rods which are supposed to be in your (18V) engine, keep the bearing locating tab notches on the engine's right side. You'll be fine. Have you had the rods checked and straightened, rebored on the big end, balanced? (in machinist parlance, rebuilt) You certainly should, and don't forget to check bearing shell clearances with Plastigage. (use the green Plastigage)

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Motorbill
From Lola to Land Rover, If it's British and has wheels, it's likely I've bloodied me knuckles thereupon

Thanks for the response.

 OK, so you know, and Blaine at Moss Motors was great help!  Part # 420-445 the front is actually 90 degrees counter clockwise from the FRONT mark on the piston. Rods were rebuilt from MOSS.  When I talked through with Blaine, it appears the machine shop put the rods on correct.  There is an oiling hole on one side of the Rod and Blaine said that should face the cam, which is how it worked out.

 So to my simple mind, the portion marked FRONT on the piston now faces to the passenger side of the engine.  That is what I refer to as the right side of the engine. 

 I did plastigage.