Ring end gap

[Mike7447]

I intend to start the engine rebuild today. I will be installing a .020 forged piston that I purchased from Dads, along with a Hastings ring set. To my knowledge, the ring set is to be installed out of the box, and not “gapped”. Can anyone confirm this for me before I get to that part?

[Dad]

21 hours ago, Mike7447 said:

I intend to start the engine rebuild today. I will be installing a .020 forged piston that I purchased from Dads, along with a Hastings ring set. To my knowledge, the ring set is to be installed out of the box, and not “gapped”. Can anyone confirm this for me before I get to that part?

In any build you need to check the gap,  I always used factory specs on the gap  just staying towards high side, sometimes you need to open it up,  you will need to see.    Forget checking oil rails as they are always over spec. 

 

Dad

[Mike7447]

11 hours ago, Dad said:

In any build you need to check the gap,  I always used factory specs on the gap  just staying towards high side, sometimes you need to open it up,  you will need to see.    Forget checking oil rails as they are always over spec. 

 

Dad

Thanks for that Randall. I did check the ring end gap with the rings squared, down 1” in the hole. The tops are .023-.024, and the seconds are between .021-.023 .

The factory manual spec makes those end gaps loose, but obviously they are intended for a cast piston. Nonetheless, am I ok with this? As per your recommendation I had them finish the bore to 3.607.

[Dad]

Certainly won't have an issue  with higher boost,  it's way under the max of .031    I don't know how you squared them,  iI would install a second ring on the piston and push  a ring in with piston until installed ring sets on the deck,  that helps square the ring you are checking in the hole.  just a little off square will show a larger gap.

 

Dad

[Mike7447]

3 hours ago, Dad said:

Certainly won't have an issue  with higher boost,  it's way under the max of .031    I don't know how you squared them,  iI would install a second ring on the piston and push  a ring in with piston until installed ring sets on the deck,  that helps square the ring you are checking in the hole.  just a little off square will show a larger gap.

 

Dad

Thanks, I’ll do that. I was pretty careful about pushing the ring in using the bottom of the oil ring land as a stop point, but it won’t hurt to try it again using the second ring as a stop point. 
 

I do intend to put some boost in the mix, ( 17-20 psi).I  wouldn’t have spent the xtra money in the forged pistons otherwise.