Piston rings

[wrench459]

When loading the rings on the piston...
Place the top ring end gap on the intake valve side.
Better yet go gapless.

[opelwasp]

I only use gapless now.

[jeff denton]

Two words: Total Seal!
They aren't really gapless, technically, and the instructions clearly indicate where the gaps should be.
What struck me about using them was that there was incredibly less "blowby" being vented out of the crankcase. That's telling me something.

[wrench459]

Total Seal will convert your standard rings to gapless for under 75 bananas.
Did a leak down test on my new engine.. while still on the stand. < 3 %.

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by wrench459 When loading the rings on the piston... Place the top ring end gap on the intake valve side.

Why? Smokey Yunick says they rotate IIRC!

Harold

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by hrcollinsjr Why? Smokey Yunick says they rotate IIRC! Harold

Yup, they move around. I always set mine up the same way during a build, but on teardown they're all over the place.

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by wrench459 Total Seal will convert your standard rings to gapless for under 75 bananas. Did a leak down test on my new engine.. while still on the stand. < 3 %.

My internet connection is slow so I'm going to go ahead and post (and maybe cook and eat dinner also) while I'm downloading info about Total Seal. I notice they claim less than 2% leakdown. I'm guessing your results aren't as good because your engine isn't broken in yet.

I did a not so quick search and found a VW site where they recommended the second ring not the first for a street engine?

I know, I'm shy a few bananas having a full bunch.

Harold

[wrench459]

yep the second runs the gapless ring.
The top ring is set very wide for a reason.
Time will tell If I'm barking up the wrong tree.

[jeff denton]

I've always wondered why automotive rings aren't "pinned" like in two strokes so they can't rotate? If it's so important to locate the gaps just so, shouldn't they be forced to stay there?
I've found my gaps lined up together upon teardown a few times, and I know damn well I didn't put it together like that!

[namba209]

Originally Posted by jeff denton I've always wondered why automotive rings aren't "pinned" like in two strokes so they can't rotate? If it's so important to locate the gaps just so, shouldn't they be forced to stay there? I've found my gaps lined up together upon teardown a few times, and I know damn well I didn't put it together like that!

Well, Jeff, there aren't any exhaust or transfer ports in the cylinder walls of a four stroke, the rings can get hung up on and break. Just think of the cost per unit to drill and pin the ring lands, the "bean counters" at work. On one of my racing bikes, I had the rings 120 degrees apart when I assembled it, got about 1/4 mile from home and started laying down copious amounts of oil smoke. Tore down the engine and found both sets of rings had lined up. Great for mosquito abatement.

[ben]

where can get total seal rings from and does any one have a part #

[wrench459]

TS reworked my 2.0 rings. Something like 30 bucks setup and 5 bucks per ring.

[tomking]

Yeah, like he said. Buy rings from Gil and send to Total Seal for their gapless conversion.

[opelspyder]

What is there turnaround for a set for 4 pistons?