How to Install Piston Rings If You Don't Know What You're Doing - Limit 55 E26

[@markm781]

From a fellow MGer, the best course is contact Doug at From the Frame Up, TC specialist, hecan certainly advise the best course of action. The original engine is too valuable to take a tribal advise on.

[@limit55]

I agree, and Doug’s help is invaluable

[@robertdavidson3090]

Well this is the difference between building and putting together an engine. Those who rush will have an engine disaster shortly after startup. Or maybe just during cranking. Keep up the good work and keep sprinkling in the bits of humor.

[@robertdavidson3090]

After seeing the last part of your video you might want to call John Twist. University Motors LTD. It will have his phone number and he takes tech calls at 1pm eastern time. I know at the moment he is out of town but I guarantee he will speak to you. I have known him since 1989.

[@limit55]

John was incredibly helpful during the MGA build, he is a legend!

[@rpfree]

This is very interesting, though just confirming what I already know. Eating through that learning curve is a big meal, and if you're really interested, it's a great thing. But it's Really Difficult. I just give my MG mechanic lots of money and try to get them to understand my areas of concern ("Yes, thank you for replacing the brake lines, we agree. But no, also replace the fuel lines! I don't care if 60 year old fuel lines are probably fine!"

[@booshkoosh7994]

I never miss a video! Thanks a lot!

[@octagongarage3504]

Contact total seal piston rings they can make you a custom set of rings for your application and specifications of the ring groove of the Pistons you already have

[@njpaddler]

"Trust but >> verify

[@rpfree]

This also reminds me of the Porche created by the factory for Ferdinand Porche. It was made with zero tolerances. Exact. What they should be. OMG so hard to do.

[@limit55]

Leave it to ze germans 👍

[@hueyhoolihan582]

i don't remember gapping my rings when i installed them. knowing the pistons were original (a luxury, i know), i simply bought standard MGA rings, spread them with my hands and slid them over the tops of the pistons. i put on 20-30000 trouble-free miles, post-rebuild before it was sold. don't get me wrong. i plasti-gauged the main and rod bearings, but only remember using my feeler gauges on the rockers. engines in the 40's were had nowhere NEAR the kind of precision that is now evident or required in modern engines. in many cases there were not even factory torque values for anything other than main bearing and rod caps. not even any for head bolts. when i start hearing or reading a LOT of conflicting information from those who SHOULD know, i conclude that there is in fact NO conclusive information at the level i am seeking it and so, have to conclude that my expectations as to precision are unrealistic and unwarranted. after all, there IS a limit as to how precise one needs to be...

[@jeffharrison5265]

Engine work is my favorite of all car work, but it can sure be a pain in the arse at times. Good thing you don't have a V12. LoL.

[@limit55]

And they said the 4 cylinders should be easy…. 😁😁

[@hueyhoolihan582]

yes, i've often felt the same way. and often look back with fond memories of my time rebuilding a 1968 single cylinder 250cc BSA motorcyle engine! :)

[@craigmorton1944]

Safety Fast