787 Connecting rod oil hole

[IDoSeaDoo]

I'm rebuilding a 95XP with the 787X. The motor ate a couple RAVE Valves, so the pistons/jugs were trashed. I'm putting a standard sized set of jugs/pistons on it. I noticed that the connecting rods don't have a hole anywhere for oil to get onto the connecting rod bearing. The connecting rod is just solid, w/ no holes to oil the wrist pin bearing. My other cranks had at least a hole to oil the wrist pins/bearings.

I realize that this is an old engine design. It didn't even have cages for the needle bearings. Should I just drill/grind a hole/slot for the bearing, or should I leave it alone? Anyone have experience in this matter?

 

[Dr Honda]

That's a tough question.

The problem is... if you drill the hole, it will weaken the rod, and it can be the place where the rod splits. (failure point) In a 2 stroke, the oil is atomized with the fuel, and it finds it's way into the bearings without oiling holes. In a 4-stroke... the oil is splashing around... and it needs the extra holes to get oil into the bearings.

There are people who will disagree with me... but I wouldn't drill any oiling holes into the rod on a 2-stroke.

Just my 2-cents.