1972 Norton Commando Combat Rebuild (15) - Fitting piston rings

[@andovernorton-thesource]

You did a great job getting the rings on there 👌

[@mitchburk5112]

Did you check the ring gaps? I've found that the gap often needs to be opened up a bit on factory fresh rings. Push them into the barrel with a piston and measure gap with a feeler gauge. Better a smidge more gap than too tight. I only use the ring expander on the compression rings, just spiral the scraper rings on. I do Jim's method but use a ring compressor. Easy peasy.

[@johnb5519]

Can't wait to here it roar to life again. My buddies used to call my bike the snort'n Norton. I never liked using a ring expander, and always do it the old fashion way. It always seemed like they were on the verge of snapping.

[@swooshdave]

John B They actually expanded just fine. But there was some puckering occurring. Apparently the danger of winding them on is scratching the piston.

[@johnb5519]

Yes, you are probably right about that. You guy's are doing a great job there.

[@TheDavey333]

Piston rings can be a pain, looks like you got it sussed. Can’t wait for the next part 👍

[@tadpoles10]

Sometimes those pesky blue gloves just get in the way, well done Dave. atvb t ..

[@gremmann]

Yeah..unless you're a concert violinist or hairdresser you might want to ditch the gloves. I've tried them, get a better feel without, especially doing this.

[@sf940477]

I agree with tadpole throw those gloves away ha ha . Well done 👍

[@nicksmith633]

Hi I would have checked the ring gaps before fitting them , if they are too tight it’s not worth the risk. I think you allow 3 to 4 thou per inch of bore dia if my memory is correct . The gaps on the pistons ideally should be 120 degrees apart and not on the thrust side of The piston ie right at the front , hope this is of use to somebody.

[@swooshdave]

nick smith No, I did not check the ring gap. Probably should have. I asked about where to put the gaps, if you watched Jim’s video he mentions that the rings rotate on their own so it doesn’t make a big difference.

[@supercomp7078]

You know the guys who had done that and had shit fly away, they were the ones yelling at the tv to put your thumb over the clip to stop it flying away

[@TheMightyGarage]

😄

[@gpo6581]

I'm installing my pistons on Mk3 and have a question on ring clocking. What is your recommendation on the proper clock arrangement? Thanks

[@motorcyclegarage2307]

Good to see the Isle Of Man legs flag !

[@swooshdave]

MOTORCYCLE GARAGE Even if it’s backwards!

[@Frightningman]

Somewhat surprised that you didn't know how to fit those oil control rings.

[@swooshdave]

Frank Todd It’s been years since I rebuilt an engine. And this was the first Norton. Keep in mind I’m showing people how to do things the wrong way so if you don’t know you can follow along and learn the right way to do it. We could have edited it all out but then no one learns. These videos aren’t for the people who have done it a million times rather to show that someone with a modicum of experience can do it. I hope that makes sense. If you thought I was an expert then we did something wrong. 😜

[@p.h.983]

@@swooshdave This is brilliant ! It is giving me the confidence to tackle my first engine rebuild ... on my late fathers 1954 Dominator (not started and off the road since 1963) Slightly different I know but great to see all the engine internals in real time :)

[@swooshdave]

@@p.h.983 The engines are basically the same and all of the techniques will be similar. If I can do it then anyone can!

[@geoffgreenhalgh3553]

You don't need those gloves when doing a clean operation like putting rings on.

[@swooshdave]

Just had them on out of habit.