Spitfire small end bushing question

[lesnyd@bb1t.monsanto.com (Larry E. Snyder lesnyd@monsanto.com 314-694-3626)]

I was installing new .030 pistons on my conrods last night and the
small end bushing in #3 fell out when I removed the old piston. I assume
that this is a Bad Thing, since the others were pressed in tightly, and
since the oil hole in the bushing needs to line up with the oil hole in
the conrod. I also had been hearing a knock in the engine, and I suspect
that this is it.

So, am I safe in assuming that this bushing is bad, and that the small end
bushings should be tight in the conrod? Why would only one of them be
loose?

Thanks!

Larry
lesnyd@monsanto.com