Ok for some rreason I wasn't paying attention when I took apart my engine.[:@] I can't remember what side of the engine the port in the piston wall is supposed to face.[:-]truthfully I didn't even notice it. Just goes to show you what 16 years of experience can do for you.Any help would be great.

I ripped the head off my spare NT 16 and it looks like the port in the piston skirt goes tot he same side as the intake, not exhaust.

Thanks I kinda thought that might be the case . I'd hate to put it all back together wrong and smoke a new piston or bend a con rod. I guess I should pay more attention . It's a little differnt design. It's the first piston Ive had that is ported.

WHen i went to rebuild my first nt 16 with the .18 piston and sleeve, I put it in backwards not realizing it. lol I put it to the exhaust side and I couldnt figure out why it wouldnt prime. Spent like 1 hr checking my fuel system and carb for leaks.

We've all had those day's Kinda like looking for your car keys for an hour when there in your pocket. Ya I done that to