Ring Gap Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From: Roselle IL
Ring Gap Question
I gapped some of my rings last night. They are SRP palsma moly and they called for .0045 per inch (.0195). I got a little too aggressive and one is at .022 and another at .023.
Do I have anything to worry about here?
Do I have anything to worry about here?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From: Roselle IL
Thanks for assurance. I measured each priston to bore gap and each bore was virtually identical. The exact same amount of drag on the same feeler gauge for each bore. Given this outcome, I assumed the bores must be within .0005 (fresh from the machine shop). I don't think I can pick anything back up by moving the loose couple of rings around. However, do I help myself by putting the tighter second rings with the looser top rings?
Motorhead,
I just used a fine file mounted in the vice. The learning for me was which motion was taking off how much material. It's easy to go too far. I got better on the second side of the block. I hate learning curves.
Motorhead,
I just used a fine file mounted in the vice. The learning for me was which motion was taking off how much material. It's easy to go too far. I got better on the second side of the block. I hate learning curves.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From: Roselle IL
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 124
From: Lubbock TX
For years, folks have put the gaps 180* from each other when installed. It's probably not a bad idea for first startup, but they don't stay where you put 'em. Rings spin slowly on the pistons, so they gaps won't stay where they start.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 945
Likes: 0
From: Ventura California
Staggering of the gaps on each piston.. I place my gaps at 120 degree interval so all rings are equally staggered. I like to place the 3rd ring (oil control) gap so that it sits at at the top of the bore (i.e. closest to the lifter valley. Its a neurotic thing, doubt it makes any difference at all.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,358
Likes: 379
From: Plano TX
Current thinking is to use a larger gap on the second ring to avoid pressure buildup between the top and 2nd ring.
BTW, I've seen some dynotests where ring gap was tested and the conclusion was that even with a much wider gap than recommended there is virtually no difference in power.
BTW, I've seen some dynotests where ring gap was tested and the conclusion was that even with a much wider gap than recommended there is virtually no difference in power.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From: Roselle IL
Current thinking is to use a larger gap on the second ring to avoid pressure buildup between the top and 2nd ring.
BTW, I've seen some dynotests where ring gap was tested and the conclusion was that even with a much wider gap than recommended there is virtually no difference in power.
BTW, I've seen some dynotests where ring gap was tested and the conclusion was that even with a much wider gap than recommended there is virtually no difference in power.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 13,010
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From: Corsicana, Tx
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You're fine.
Place the rings on the piston exactly how the pictures show them in the SRPinstructions and pay attention to which bank you're on.
Rings do move around, but paying attention to the thrust and non thrust side of the block during placenment helps a lot.
JIM
Place the rings on the piston exactly how the pictures show them in the SRPinstructions and pay attention to which bank you're on.
Rings do move around, but paying attention to the thrust and non thrust side of the block during placenment helps a lot.
JIM