How Important Is The Piston Gaps Position?

[ifcho 0]

I just remembered that today when I assembled my engine (1.6 XU) I forgot to adjust the position of the gaps of the piston rings (they should be separated at 120 degrees).

So the question that bothers my mind is - should I disassemble the engine tomorrow and get them the correct way or I can leave them as is?

Edited May 9, 2009 by ifcho

[jimistdt 1]

Who can tell? I would have thought the chance of all the gaps being so close together to make a difference would be slim.

 

You need the opinion of an engine builder. Mr Fenton?

[Stu 18]

The reason they say to offset the ring gap is the potential for the rings to align and under the ignition stroke fire a jet down the side of the piston, its a very unlikely event to be honest, but that said, ive always made sure that the gaps are equidistant around the piston.

 

Its more important to know the ring gap is right, without wanting to throw a spanner in the works bud did you check this?

[omega 82]

equidistant

 

 

good word that

[DamirGTI 342]

Well , yes it's important as to reduce gas and oil leakage past the ring gaps but they will still move/rotate a bit while the engine runs (at 1% of the engine revs)

 

First , fit each ring one by one in the liner/bore and check gaps with feeler blades (i really can't remember now how much it needs to be +- check in the "joke" Haynes book) if the gaps are too narrow file the ends of the rings a bit ..

 

Afterwards fit the rings on the pistons and arrange them like this :

 

Fit the bottom rings first , the expander goes in first , put the join of the spring of the expander below the pin on one side (doesn't matter which) put the gap of the bottom ring 180 deg from the spring joint (ie -> opposite).

Fit the 2-nd ring , and the top ring. Put the gap of the second ring 120 deg from the bottom ring gap and the top ring 120 deg from the gap on the 2-nd ring.

Try and keep the ring gaps just off the piston skirts and make sure the fitting tool does not grab the ring ends when tightening ! oil thoroughly and slide into the bore/liner .

 

Have fun !

Damir

Edited May 10, 2009 by DamirGTI