I'm getting ready to put the new pistons in my 216 and started by checking the rings in the bore. According to the shop manual, the end gap should be .005 to .015 but I'm finding them to be in the .017 - .018 range. The paper that came with the rings says the end gap should be .003 - .004 per inch of cylinder diameter. The 216 has a 3-1/2" bore standard (mine's .030 over) so, according to the sheet, the gap should be about .010 - .014.
Also, I was checking the ring clearances in the grooves. For the compression rings, the manual says a .0015 feeler gauge should fit freely and a .003 feeler gauge should have a "rather heavy drag." I have the heavy drag with the .0015 feeler gauge in both grooves.
I know the manual was written 60 years ago when they were using cast iron pistons. I'm replacing them with aluminum pistons so I'm not sure if some of the measurements have changed with the updated technology.
Has anyone come accross this issue and how did you deal with it?
Thanks,
Shawn
