Connecting rod failure can be caused from trying to start the engine when it is flooded (hydrolocking), running to hot or to lean, to low of an oil content in the fuel, normal wear, and possibly a manufacturers defect.

As for reliablility I got several gallons of fuel through my .16 and several through the .18 conversion before I put the OS in my truck.

The .18 rod will fit in the NT16 and the .18 upgrade is worthwhile if you are low on cash. If you can afford it you should put the O.S. .18 cvrx in it. but you also run the risk of damaging more parts with the O.S. engine.


rolland