Tech Tip: Checking Compression Ring Gaps

Ring gaps are often a confusing and misunderstood part of a rering job. There are minimum and maximum ring gap specifications that must be observed for the best performance of a new ring set.

Minimum gap tolerances must be observed in order to prevent the ring ends from butting together as the ring expands when the engine approaches operating temperature. It is recommended that you use a minimum gap of .0035˝ per inch of cylinder diameter.   

Example: 4˝ (bore) x .0035 = .014 minimum gap.  
figure 1 indicates the specifications for compression ring gap as outlined by the sae.
Maximum ring gap is an important part of ring performance in that too much gap results in lost compression, power loss and ultimately poor oil control.   

The chart in Figure 1 indicates the specifications for compression ring gap as outlined by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) as standards for the automotive piston ring manufacturers.  

An important fact to remember is that the manufacturers rigidly adhere to these tolerances and that the ring gaps are inspected in gauges accurate to .0001˝ at the cylinder diameter the ring is manufactured for. Any increase in the diameter of the cylinder is being used in, over the designated size, results in an increase of approximately .003˝ in ring gap for each .001˝ increase in cylinder diameter.  

In order to check ring gap, the rings should be placed at the lowest possible part of the cylinder (below ring travel area) as this is the portion of the cylinder which is unworn and which the ring is sized for. Checking ring gap in the worn portion of the cylinder will show a gap increase in direct relation to the amount of cylinder wear present. The illustration in Figure 2 shows the effect of cylinder wear on ring gap.  
Figure 2 shows effect of .012˝ cylinder taper on ring gap in 4-inch bore.
Figure 2 graphically illustrates the effect on ring gap that cylinder wear has. You will notice that the tapered cylinder has .012˝ wear at the top portion of ring travel which increases the ring gap .036˝. Therefore, it is entirely possible for the ring to have .061˝ end gap in that portion of the cylinder and be within recommended manufacturing tolerance.  

For this reason, it is recommended that you use a maximum of .003˝ wear per inch of cylinder diameter, not to exceed .012˝ for successful reringing. If a cylinder is worn in excess of this it should be rebored and the proper oversize ring installed.

Checking ring gaps can give an approximation of cylinder wear as well as keep you from installing wrong sized rings for the application being rerung.

Tech Tip courtesy of Hastings Piston Rings.