Checking Piston Ring Gap (#10) - Engine Builder Magazine

Checking Piston Ring Gap (#10)

First, place the correct size wrist pin boss of the piston to use as a tool from each side. Then place the ring to be squared in the cylinder. Be sure not to push the ring down too low. Now, with the piston upside down, push the ring with the top of the piston until the wrist pin stops at the block. To verify ring is squared in the cylinder check with a simple depth gauge. I have found this method to be simple, quick and accurate.

Next, verify ring seal. While keeping the feeler gauge snug in the ring gap take a flexible light with the flex part bent in a u-shape and shine the light right under the piston ring to cylinder area. Move around the whole cylinder and look at your gap. Needless to say no light should appear between the ring and cylinder, or the gap. If it shows light through try a ring from a cylinder that does not leak. This will determine if the leaking light is coming from the ring or the cylinder wall.

James Feurer

Animal Jim Racing and Animal Engines

Lacon, IL

You May Also Like

Shop Solutions August 2023

Engine shop tips and tricks.

Engine Builder and Engine Pro present Shop Solutions in each issue of Engine Builder Magazine and at enginebuildermag.com to provide machine shop owners and engine technicians the opportunity to share their knowledge to benefit the entire industry and their own shops. Those who submit Shop Solutions that are published are awarded a prepaid $100 Visa gift card. Submit your Shop Solution at [email protected]. You must include your name, shop name, shop address and shop telephone number. Submitted Shop Solutions not published will be kept on file and reevaluated for each month's new entries.

Shop Solutions July 2023

Engine and machine shop tips and tricks.

Shop Solutions June 2023

Engine and machine shop tips and tricks.

May Shop Solutions 2023

Engine and machine shop tips and tricks.

April Shop Solutions 2023

Engine and machine shop tips and tricks.

Other Posts

Shop Solutions March 2023

If I’m not using torque plates, I tape up both sides and trim out the bores. I use painter’s tape, which comes off easily and doesn’t leave any glue residue. I get much less oil in the spray washer this way.

Shop Solutions February 2023

Check out February’s shop tips and tricks.

Shop Solutions January 2023

Next time you have set of large journal small block Chevy connecting rods to resize, consider honing the big ends of them for a +.002” outside diameter bearing that the LS engines with fracture cap rods use.

Shop Solutions December 2022

Everyone misses occasionally, and this helps avoid dents and damage.