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Oil ring gap too large?

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Old Oct 9, 2022 | 02:31 PM
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Default Oil ring gap too large?

Rebuilding L-36 bore .060 over and checking all ring gaps. The first and second compressions rings are all good but I'm seeing .037-.039 on the oil rings. These are new Hastings rings. Recommended in the rebuild book I have is .020 – .030 and the paper from Hastings only says the minimum gap is .015. Did they put in the wrong oil control rings or has something changed over the years? (Rings are square in the bore, down about 1.5 to 2 inches and I've checked the machining with a dial bore gauge.)
Thanks for any comments you guys can provide.
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Old Oct 9, 2022 | 09:10 PM
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Sounds like .030 over or stock bore rings in a .060 ring kit. Is it a file fit ring kit?
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Old Oct 9, 2022 | 10:07 PM
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Oil control is just a scraper, I'm pretty sure under about .060 is fine.
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Old Oct 9, 2022 | 11:50 PM
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Originally Posted by REELAV8R
Sounds like .030 over or stock bore rings in a .060 ring kit. Is it a file fit ring kit?
It is not a file fit set. I have found some people saying that since it is not a compression ring, the gap is not that critical but the rails should be set 180º apart. I was just concerned that there might be other issues that some engine builders may know of or have experienced.
Stormin' Norman appears to agree with others that say about .060 is about as far as these rings should go. I appreciate your input. I thought it odd that the ring manufacturers only mention the minimum gap and don't even bother with the max they can go.
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Old Oct 10, 2022 | 06:04 AM
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I rebuild engines every day. it's my job, 6 days a week. for 50 years. I'd run them. No problem.
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