If the rings are working properly they rotate around the piston continually. Yes, the gaps align momentarily, but within a few seconds they change position. I've watched a quartz-cylinder engine on a test stand with a strobe light, and it's easy to see the rings move.
At speeds above idle, the oil squirts directly into the dippers- - - -no need for the troughs except to lube an idling engine. Try this- - - -over fill the crankcase by 3 or 4 quarts with Diesel fuel, and run the engine at a fast idle (1200-1500 RPM) for about 20 minutes. The splashed oil/Diesel mix will clean the crud out of the oil rings and it just might solve the oil consumption. The splash caused by the crankshaft whipping into the oil is a better pressure washer than anything that can be done with a brush and solvent. Just don't drive the vehicle with the Diesel in it, and drain the mix while it's hot. Remember to change the filter.
Jerry
