How to Choose Piston Rings and Gap Them Correctly?
It takes no expertise to know the fact that the piston end gap is a crucial aspect of engine efficiency and longevity. Anyone getting new piston rings and installing them as well must essentially know to fit and gap them correctly. While you can get the best piston ring from boodmo.com, there are a lot of things to know about how to gap them correctly.
In this blog, we have discussed in detail how to choose piston rings as well as how to gap them correctly. So, if you are looking forward to buying them and installing them by yourself, this guide is just what you need for the job.
Piston Ring Selection: First Step to the Perfect Engine Break-In
Any person who has basic knowledge about engines knows the importance of the first engine firing. The first engine firing is critical to engine break-in. Along with that, it ensures the longevity of the engine and prepares the engine for optimal power delivery, highest efficiency, and longer life. All engine builds may not have the opportunity for a dyno pull and that is where you need to know how to fit and gap piston rings correctly.
But before all of that, you need to get the right piston rings for the engine. You can definitely get any kind of piston ring, but knowing how to choose one is crucial. You need to know what types of piston rings are available as options to make the right choice. Along with that, you will also need to know what piston rings actually do.
The key functions of piston rings are as follows:
- Cylinder sealing
- Oil control
- Passing the heat from itself onto the cylinder wall. This is done through direct contact of the piston with the cylinder wall
Piston rings of modern times have become thinner. This engineering was done to achieve lesser friction, which would lead to three key things:
- Engine efficiency
- Increased power delivery
- Fast and efficient heat transfer from the piston to cylinder wall
When it comes to performance driving, you definitely need to do piston ring selection correctly. This will depend on the usage of your engine. To begin with, you must know the types of pistons available. This will help you choose the right piston ring material which is the beginning of the process. The types of pistons are:
- Cast piston
- Forged piston
- Hypereutectic piston
Based on the type of piston you have, you will need to choose the piston ring. This will also involve a few other factors about piston rings.
- Ring width is the first factor. Thinner piston rings ensure better efficiency and power delivery by the reduction of internal friction.
- Look for a proper piston configuration that suits your engine usage and driving style.
- Make sure you choose the right compression ratio.
Piston Ring Installation: How to Gap Piston Rings Correctly?
When it comes to ring installation, there are two most common approaches. Some engineers and engine experts make use of expanders. Others simply roll them on. The basic technique during ring installation is to minimize ring distortion while gently applying force on the ring during installation. This ensures that you are able to gap the piston rings properly.
The first step is to install the oil ring expander according to the instructions given by the ring manufacturer on or with the product package. The expander must not overlap. Then they need to be carefully rolled on.
All that being said, the installation of piston rings also depends upon your personal preferences. There are different techniques as well. All you need to make sure is not to score the ring lands during installation. If you are careful enough to minimize distortion and prevent any kind of damage to the ring, you can be sure that the deed is done correctly and appropriately.
Final Thoughts
It is not always possible or affordable to go for a dyno session during an engine build. Seating piston rings and bearings become much more difficult without a dyno session which is why the above considerations and tips are very important. Follow them to successfully choose and gap piston rings in your engine, leaving no room for errors. As for getting the best piston rings, you can easily get any kind of piston ring from boodmo.
