Expert Advice
Do's and Don'ts: Piston & Piston Rings
- Piston pins should not be hammered into pin hole
- Piston rings should not be mounted by hand, always use a good quality ring installing tool/expander
- While finally installing the piston & ring assembly in the cylinder, care should be taken that the ring gaps are not aligned and are at equal angles with respect to each other
- Make sure to sufficiently lubricate the piston/ring while inserting in bore, this is required for initial lubrication
- Use a good quality ring compressor while fitting the piston/ring in the cylinder
- The ‘top’ marking on the ring indicates that it should be installed with ‘top’ mark towards top of the piston
- In oil rings with springs, the spring joint should be exactly opposite to the end gap of the end gap
- A good quality circlip plier should be used for installation, also ensure proper fitment of the circlip in one groove and keep the open end downwards in position
- Do not check the tension of the rings by repeatedly pressing it by hand, it can easily disturb the alignment of the end gaps