GRINDING THE RAILS
When grinding the thin steel oil rails on a ring grinder, lay it on a used cast iron second ring and grind them both together. This reduces the chance of the rail biting or fluttering and damaging it. If you’re careful, you can grind the two for that cylinder together to save time on a powered grinder. On my ABS grinder, I’ll also grind 3-4 oil rails at a time which stabilizes them. The top oil rail should have a gap that’s the same as the second ring. This allows any pressure spikes to evacuate to the oil returns in the third ring groove. Constant, controlled blow-by makes for a stable ring pack, more horsepower from better sealing and longer life.

Ron Flood
Cedar Machine
North Branch, MN
MAY, 2023