need tips for ring end gap filing
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 19
From: Manhattan Beach Ca
need tips for ring end gap filing
I dont have ring end grinder but was going to use simple file in vise technique but wanted to ask if anyone has some tips. Also could dremmel with flat disc or stone grinder work better? THX
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,120
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From: central FL, near the beach.
Re: need tips for ring end gap filing (Surfer69)
i did the vice/file and it took 7 hours 
my advice is to buy rings you don't have to file (at least the top ring) #2 files much faster
my advice is to buy rings you don't have to file (at least the top ring) #2 files much faster
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 19
From: Manhattan Beach Ca
Re: need tips for ring end gap filing (Matt Gruber)
I have the Hyper pistons which require "special" larger gap which I dont think I would have found "pre-gapped".
Seven (7) hours doesnt sound too bad.
Seven (7) hours doesnt sound too bad.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,820
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From: Puyallup WA
Re: need tips for ring end gap filing (Matt Gruber)
I use a Ringmaster Ring Filing jig from Powerhose Products that is quite inexpensive and makes the job a breeze. It includes shims of various thickness that allow you to remove just the right amount of material. Squaring up the ring in the bore is also make easier with a Piston Ring Squaring tool.
It takes me about 1 to 1-1/2 hours to file fit a set of conventional rings providing I don't have to file the oil rails. It takes maybe 2 hours for a Total Seal Gapless set.
You really need to check into this. 7 hours is way too long.
Steve
It takes me about 1 to 1-1/2 hours to file fit a set of conventional rings providing I don't have to file the oil rails. It takes maybe 2 hours for a Total Seal Gapless set.
You really need to check into this. 7 hours is way too long.
Steve
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,720
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From: Manhattan Beach Ca
Re: need tips for ring end gap filing (632C2)
Update: Filing method way too slow. Dremmel in vise with regular cutting disk works great like mini grinder using disc flat surface. About 5 minutes per ring. Still should be better than 7 hours.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: Calif.
Re: need tips for ring end gap filing (Surfer69)
File-in-a-vise technique works well. Make sure you only file from the outside of the ring to the inside. Also, get yourself a little jeweller's file and make sure to bevel the ends of the rings.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: central FL, near the beach.
Re: need tips for ring end gap filing (Surfer69)
i do not regret the 7 hours. ring gap is most critical for max. power.
i was trying to go as slow as possible to avoid too large a gap. i checked it 2" down each bore several times, and fit each ring to a specific cyl.
if i was buildng YOUR motor i could go much faster
i was trying to go as slow as possible to avoid too large a gap. i checked it 2" down each bore several times, and fit each ring to a specific cyl.
if i was buildng YOUR motor i could go much faster
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 19
From: Manhattan Beach Ca
Re: need tips for ring end gap filing (Matt Gruber)
if i was buildng YOUR motor i could go much faster
Of course I dont really care how long it takes because we all want our engines to come out perfect. My current engine was given to a shop to build and now something is loose. :mad So its given me a good reason to do my own 383.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: Calif.
Re: need tips for ring end gap filing (Surfer69)
if i was buildng YOUR motor i could go much faster
Nicely said.
Of course I dont really care how long it takes because we all want our engines to come out perfect. My current engine was given to a shop to build and now something is loose. :mad So its given me a good reason to do my own 383.
Nicely said.
Of course I dont really care how long it takes because we all want our engines to come out perfect. My current engine was given to a shop to build and now something is loose. :mad So its given me a good reason to do my own 383.
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Re: need tips for ring end gap filing (The Dude)
I am sure you know to carefully deburr the edges after filing. Just be carefull not to put any bevel on the edges. Clean them and keep them nice and square. I had a friend bevel them slightly and it had terrible blow by. The bevel acted like a venturi and sped the compression past the rings. That was a bitch to figure out. Food for thought. :flag
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,720
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From: Manhattan Beach Ca
Re: need tips for ring end gap filing (Pete K)
be carefull not to put any bevel on the edges. Clean them and keep them nice and square. I had a friend bevel them slightly and it had terrible blow by. The bevel acted like a venturi and sped the compression past the rings. That was a bitch to figure out. Food for thought.
Well we definitely have two different opinions here.
I finished already using my Dremel method which I highly recommend (around 5 hours total). I used 400 black sand paper to debur since dremel creates very small burs. Didnt bevel edges, BUT, noticed brand new rings had slight bevel/chamfer on cylinder wall side ring edge, very small.
[Modified by Surfer69, 8:59 AM 6/16/2004]
Race Director
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Re: need tips for ring end gap filing (Surfer69)
I did not post to contradict that post. To be honest I overlooked it. I am not a professional engine builder, but it is a hobby. Do what you think best, I am by no means an authority on the subject. On the motor that gave us trouble that was the cause. We substituted the rings with an identical set except keeping the edges square, that solved our problem.There is a lot of squabbling on the forum over different opinions. I certainly don't want to feed the fire. Take my advise as I take others,as advise and not fact. Good luckwith your project. Pete :flag
Pro
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Renton Wa
Re: need tips for ring end gap filing (Surfer69)
I went through a total of 3 sets of rings to get them right. Spoke with Childs and Albert. or what used to be Childs and Albert. Spoke with Speed pro, and local engine builders, All of which had different suggestions on what works, what does not work. I don't think you would really "feel" any difference if they are over gapped, and being overgapped is better than under gapped. As long as the gap is square and even, then just don't worry about them.
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Re: need tips for ring end gap filing (WashingtonRacer)
I hand filed mine as gap was very critical on the pistons I chose. Deburred with fine sand paper and test fitted each many times (in the hole it would go in) to get it just right. Don't care how long it took, engine runs like a Swiss watch!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: Calif.
Re: need tips for ring end gap filing (Surfer69)
I think when I said, "bevel," I was meaning something along the lines of "deburring."
I use a jeweler's file and remove the sharp edges left from filing the ring gaps. The result is a very teeny, tiny little bevel.
Same smell, different texture.
I use a jeweler's file and remove the sharp edges left from filing the ring gaps. The result is a very teeny, tiny little bevel.
Same smell, different texture.