.025 end gap,,too big??

[derek502]

Is a .025 ring gap too big? This is the top ring, I'm still running Sealed Power pistons until I break this set. I wanted the gap down to about .020 but the rings are .025 right out of the box.
Let me know.
Thanks Y'all

[derek502]

I check the specs with on these rings and they suggest .04 per inch of bore.

[glhsken]

That's pretty standard for the spec. That's awefull big, But I've seen an engine with bigger do some amazing things. It did intermittantly smoke out the exhaust.

[glhsken]

Oh... My engine was built with .022" .020" per my request

[derek502]

guess I better get some file fit rings,,,this could also explain why this engine has always had some blowby after it was bored out .40 over.

[4sfed4]

My engine is 0.025" and it works fine.

The max factory spec is 0.039".

[ForceFed Wraith]

I've had a similar problem. I pulled my engine out today and the end gap is 0.057". however, this is with 3000 mile old rings with a lot of wear.

Can you buy .030 over-bore rings and file them to the factory end gap specs with a .020 piston?

What is the max clearance between the piston and cylinder wall? Mine have a decent bit of slop within them ... between .005 and .007 feeler gauges slide in between very easily.

[4sfed4]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForceFed Wraith I've had a similar problem. I pulled my engine out today and the end gap is 0.057". however, this is with 3000 mile old rings with a lot of wear. Can you buy .030 over-bore rings and file them to the factory end gap specs with a .020 piston? What is the max clearance between the piston and cylinder wall? Mine have a decent bit of slop within them ... between .005 and .007 feeler gauges slide in between very easily.

Sounds like you are in need of a rebore and new pistons. I believe the absolute maximum (i.e. wear limit) piston to bore clearance on stock pistons should be no more than 0.003". It sounds like you are close to, or over that now.

The fact that the rings are also showing a huge end gap also leads one to believe the bores are too large for the pistons.

[macncheese]

yeah, my first engine had file fit rings for the pistons (same box) and the ends overlapped when i put them in the bore. of course, i didn't have a ring file, so i used my bench grinder, heh heh. i was wondering how long it would be before the rings gave up and started smoking, but i ended up wearing all the bearings first. only took about 600 miles. lol.
tony

[turbovanman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by macncheese yeah, my first engine had file fit rings for the pistons (same box) and the ends overlapped when i put them in the bore. of course, i didn't have a ring file, so i used my bench grinder, heh heh. i was wondering how long it would be before the rings gave up and started smoking, but i ended up wearing all the bearings first. only took about 600 miles. lol. tony

Mine also had around .025" ring gap and on problems. Aftermarket rings seem to be a bit loose, I've noticed it lots on engines I have rebuilt, but on the flip side, have had some tight ring clearances too-but very rare.