When file fitting rings I also like to add a radius to the backside of the oil ring support rails, at the gap. I rough in the radius on the belt sander and then finish it on the debur wheel on my ring grinder. Without adding this…
Nick Jones Automotive Machine Fraser, MI
I took these broken off valve stems and ground the tips to a point to mark valve centerlines on pistons for flycutting valve reliefs. Just install the head on the block and insert the stem in the guide point down and with the piston at TDC,…
Rich Jones Redline Automotive Competition Engines Davie, FL
Some piston pin clips can be a bear to install. If not supported right, the first one will push in too far or can be hard to seat. I lube and install the piston pin and then use the arm or wing of a paper clamp…
Randy Quam Competition Engines Eagan, MN
Eliminating the movement of the parts when installing or removing Spirolox type retaining rings makes the job easier. This device, simply made, stabilizes the assembly and/or removal. Instead of clamping a connecting rod in a vise and trying to steady the piston, a simple piece of scrap aluminum…
Archie Frangoudis Archie's Racing Service Nasuha, NH
The use of steel in the upper compression ring has many advantages. Steel provides 35% more strength, weighs 30% less and increases the resistance to side wear, which is observed on the newer model engines. Another feature from the increased steel strength is the insensitivity…
Engine Pro Technical Committee With special thanks to Hastings Manufacturing Company
It can be very difficult to check end gap on oil ring rails or gapless ring rails. I opened up the gap on a top ring of the appropriate bore size and squared it in the cylinder with a tool made from a scrap sleeve. Just set…
Randy Torvinen Torvinen’s Machine Menahga, MN
Piston ring second land accumulator grooves provide an area for escaping combustion gases and crankcase pressures, that get past the piston rings, to gather and dissipate. Without this feature, the passing compression losses or crank case pressure buildup could cause ring flutter, removing stable…
Engine Pro Tech Committee with special thanks to United Engine & Machine Co. Silvolite, KB and ICON Pistons
Piston Ring Squaring Tool I made a quick and accurate piston ring aligner for checking end gaps out of a .030 over, 454 Chevy flat top piston. Just chuck the piston in a lathe and turn the ring lands down to a little under 4.000 ̋. (Mine is 3.995 ̋.)…
Joe Degraw Grawmondbecks Performance Engines Mason City, IA
I recycle the thick plastic trays used to store and ship 1-liter soda bottles. They work really well for keeping piston and rod assemblies in order, and protected from damage as you move them about the shop. Trays are very stable when you set them down, and…
Greg Avrett Cal’s Engine & Machine Shop Oakdale, CA
Evolution of Ring End Gap Theory It’s easy to see or know when you don’t have enough ring end gap. Common signs include scuffed ring faces, damaged rings and cylinders and/or shiny areas on the butt ends of the rings. The ideal minimum ring end-gap would by found under the…
Engine Pro Technical Committee with thanks to Mahle Aftermarket Inc.