Factory manual (235) says compression ring clearance should be .002 to .0035. All mine measure on the tight side of .002, such that with ring fully seated in groove the tip of .002 feeler has what I'd consider heavy drag when inserted. They all float freely around the grooves however. Is that what you'd expect for normal new clearance?
Don't want to run the risk of them getting hung up and not seating when hot, or whatever hazard overly tight rings could cause.
Matthew 6:33
1952 Chevy 1/2-ton 3100 Late '55 235/SM420/torque tube 3.55 Dalton Highway survivor (using original 216) www.truckwithaheart.com
Are the pistons new or used? Used pistons can and do develop carbon deposits that can affect clearance, but it's usually under the ring, not top to bottom. If you're concerned about insufficient vertical clearance, use a thin, fine-toothed file to scuff a little material off the upper side of the ring groove. DO NOT try to take any material off the bottom of the groove where the ring seals itself to the piston under compression and combustion pressure. A piece of fine sandpaper wrapped around a popsicle stick would also work to adjust the clearance. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
All parts are new. Popsicle stick with sandpaper does the trick, and faster than expected. Thanks for the tip as well as confirming which surface to take away from.
Also, and hope it won't lessen their effectiveness, sanded the parkerized (or whatever it is) coating off the top of a few rings by laying flat on a sheet of 400 wet or dry on plate glass. Didn't touch the bottom of rings as presumably the coating will aid in seating against the bottom of piston grooves.
Matthew 6:33
1952 Chevy 1/2-ton 3100 Late '55 235/SM420/torque tube 3.55 Dalton Highway survivor (using original 216) www.truckwithaheart.com
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
Skooter Most mechanics put a ring just from the side of the piston see how much it tips up and down to test groove wear. On new parts .002 would be a lot of clearance. Maybe your reading about ring end gap,your rings should have info in their paper work about that.
Skooter Most mechanics put a ring just from the side of the piston see how much it tips up and down to test groove wear. On new parts .002 would be a lot of clearance. Maybe your reading about ring end gap,your rings should have info in their paper work about that.
Since a picture is worth a thousand words I've attached 3,000 words below. Pic 1 shows how I'm measuring. Heavy drag on the .002 feeler. Fixite is pic 2 and 3 what you're talking about? There's about 1/4 inch difference between up and down at the finger tip.
Matthew 6:33
1952 Chevy 1/2-ton 3100 Late '55 235/SM420/torque tube 3.55 Dalton Highway survivor (using original 216) www.truckwithaheart.com
Skooter Yes using a new ring you get an idea about groove wear. There was once a tool to cut the groove for a thin steel spacer that went at the bottom and gave the ring a steel sealing surface. I have that tool but haven't been able to find the spacers,done a 327 I had really worked good.
How much groove wear will there be on a brand new piston? Maybe Egge needs to do some counseling with their quality control inspectors? Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
Man, once you see the face on the side of those stovebolt pistons, you can’t I see it. Bahaha!
1970 Chevrolet C10 Grandpa's -- My first truck -- In progress to shiny Follow the build in the Project Journal 1950 Chevrolet 1-Ton Dually "Ole Red Girl" In the Stovebolt Gallery More pictures here 1951 GMC 9430 1 ton dually--Shiny! | 1972 Chevrolet C20- Rusty- the puzzle box lid for the C10 | 1962 AMC Rambler American- my wife's Parts trucks- 1951 GMC 9300 | 1951-GMC 9430 | 1951- Chevrolet 1300
