Piston Rings: Types, Gapping, Prep And Break-In For The Home Engine Builder

Outwardly simple, but yet so important to the success of any engine build. Rings come in an endless variety of materials and configurations with specialized preparations to suit every kind of high performance use.
Here we talk about common street Cast Iron and Moly Filled rings, their features, cylinder bore prep, assembly and break in differences.
#Classiccar #Musclecar #Engines
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[@skeptic3332]

As a backyard mechanic YT has brought the Golden Age of DIY. I still built things years ago but this kind of knowledge was only available to a few. Thanks Uncle Tony.

[@hitekbigmek]

No .. it was available to anyone that desired the knowledge. Books and then videos were everywhere

[@skeptic3332]

@@hitekbigmek LOL long before videos . I guess I should have given dates soy boy.

[@toothdecay2465]

I agree. Videos of detailed, step-by-step teardowns are instantly available for most cars on any device with internet access. In the past, you'd need a shop manual for your car and it wouldn't be as good. Way easier now.

[@hitekbigmek]

@@skeptic3332 excuse me . are you really so immature? . i called you no names .. i'm 67 years old and have turned wrenches for over 50 years .. in garages , 2 dealerships and 2 speed shops .. i read every hot rod magazine with engine articles when i was 14 and still do . Chilton manuals gave rebuild instructions and they've been around since at least the '40s .. when i began building engines i wouldnt hesitate to call a manufacturer tech line , , other engine builders and then 23 years ago i got addicted to the internet .. . go back and read my statement .. BOOKS and then videos .. books with all the automotive knowledge have been in libraries from day 1 .. videos have been out for 40 years .. .. if you worked anywhere of value .. you learned from the other people there ..

[@tabbott429]

@@hitekbigmek honestly it IS far easier to get information now than it was before KZbin. I have all the service manuals and books I needed to do a job but you have to admit when a person shares their knowledge it can be very helpful vs reading a book. context matters

[@SorryGuys-eighty-8]

Way back in automotive school they told me break it in like I was going to drive it. You pretty much said the same thing. Thank you Uncle Tony for your vast information. Your information is priceless !!!!

[@daleslover2771]

I don't know about that, when I was going thru Industrial Auto/ Diesel/ welding/ Machining,3 years college, ASE/ AWS cert you pick up quite a few tricks of the trade, 1 of the most important steps we were taught was to cycle those engines, regardless if it a 3 hp Briggs, to a 900 Kawasaki to a 400 industrial Dodge. By bringing up the said engin to a certain Rpm for a set time 15 sec (est) that dropping the Rpm back to curb idle for 15 sec , than back and forth for 20 repeted cycles, then raising the Rpm to up 200 rpm then repeat up to 20 repeated cycles ECT Ect ECT to a normal driving speed of 55 Mph, what this does it gives the oil scraper rings time to set by drawing and holding oil on the piston walls,assisting the cross hatched pattern. at the same time compression rings to seat... Seen many rebuilt short block engines lose up to 30 psi per cylinder by missing this step...but that's the way we were taught.

[@doctorfeinstone6524]

​@daleslover2771 I haven't seen anyone be able to truly agree on how to break in an engine. Some say run it hard, some say baby it, some say what you said, and some say just get in it and drive it

[@shawngates138]

As a mechanic of 25 years and built a couple of low budget performance engines he knows his stuff.

[@brandonknight7240]

17 thou on ring gap?

[@frankinjeep1194]

I've been wrenching for damn near 30 years and yes he's right on and I learn something from every one of his videos

[@derogan_pb1617]

Chart I have shows 16 thou on na for 4. in plus .004 per inch of bore. So .001 for the 1/4 extra.... 16 plus 1 is 17...

[@zakattack4274]

I started when I was about 10 years old with my ol grandad building small block Chevys. I love learning from the older guys I remember the first time I went to some drag races down south with him and some of the old timers were running wooden throttle body spacers! I couldn't believe it then my grandad said back in the day we didn't have summit racing we made stuff work lol

[@user-wv1pj6wh4h]

@@brandonknight7240 Looks ok for me 0.4 mm , but numbers must be checked.

[@firstgeneralee2105]

I was only 15 when I rebuilt my first lawn mower engine man did I do things wrong! Learned from more experienced people and UTG now gets to an art!

[@seanjespersen2199]

I don't comment often and I'm only half way through, but great darn episode. You're a great teacher. Something to learn from novice to expert.

[@grumpycarlsworld]

I'm definitely no gentleman. I'm a piston head dipper 😅 Seriously though, I do like these videos of yours in particular Tony. I'm sure I'm not alone here, in having built or 'refreshed' a lot of engines over the decades, but still learn a little something from these tips. So those new to the game will be learning a whole lot more. Well done!

[@bryandraughn9830]

You're doing a good thing here man. It's like getting sound advice from an uncle with a lot of experience, using normal language to explain the process. I'm all about the intricate details and all that, but none of that applies without a good foundation where the process is a comfortable experience. Excellent work!

[@stevenmitchell5612]

These videos are truly a public service. Having someone with decades of experience explain the things that only used to be learned from the school of hard knocks, is totally invalueable! U.T. is a true gem. Not only does he show us things like the ones contained in this video,he shares his tricks of the trade. There was a time,not long ago when you had to get lucky and work for or with a old mechanic who would share this knowledge with you in stead of letting you figure it out and laugh at you when you screwed up. I truly love these meat and potato videos of basic stuff. Even if you start watching and say to yourself ,i already know this stuff,stick around. You will probably hear a tidbit of info that you might not have ever gotten otherwise. In other words,you can stumble up on a diamond.(of information)

[@mr.espeedshop4839]

I like to keep a ring in the second slot of the piston I'm using to square the ring into the bore for filing. Just press the piston until that ring is flush on the deck, then reach up through the bottom of the bore to make sure the ring to gap is flush against the piston crown. Makes things more quickly consistent in my experience. Also when deburring filed rings, I make sure to soften all edges, nut just what faces the wall. Top, bottom, and inside as the piston, even forged, are aluminum and softer than the rings and the rings will move around. You don't want any burr that can snag into the piston and start the process of collecting gunk & getting stuck.

[@lilmike2710]

Thank you Uncle Tony for touching on the exact subject that I'm about to dive into. Next, I'd be tickled if you'd explain crankshaft and main bearing assembly, do's and don'ts.

[@cfmechanic]

Easy quick tips sprin crank after tightening each main or rod cap. This ensures you don't put all the pieces only to find that it is all bound up and won't rotate. Tightening cap spin tightening rod spin crank etc

[@lilmike2710]

@@cfmechanic got it. Same as giving it a turn after installing each piston. That way ur not having to pull it all back apart trying to find the culprit.

[@coldwarmotors]

Good stuff! Thanks for the take on the "old wives' tale" about aligning the ring gaps; I always wondered about that because I knew they were supposed to rotate in operation. Timely, too, because I'm about to put rings in my old stovebolt... Cheers!

[@stevedouglas5443]

I'm trying so hard to remember back on the 70s I blew a 440 mag 68 RT. I was going like hell and when I removed the heads I had pieces of rings in the combustion chamber. I believe I was doing over 120 mph.

[@scottmoot2969]

My friends Dad owned a small AMC dealership in 60s and 70s. They had a ring break in issue at one point. AMC tech bulletin, "Make sure no customers are there. Remove air cleaner. Rev engine and pour BonAmi powder cleanser into the carburetor. Change oil."

[@joeanspach539]

Ford had a similar thing. I don't remember exactly what I was told the substance was, but it like abraxo cleaner or some powdered cleaner. Except the dealerships used Ford branded stuff, but it was all the same stuff.

[@skylinefever]

Chevy had this problem when they introduced the SBC. They had the same rule.

[@henrysmith8012]

Dont do this. I have seen this done. Seized every ring on every piston within minutes. It's like sand. Proper honing is the key and ring gap.

[@Alexander-nb1rz]

The cleaner is supposed to take the carbon off the rings and pistons

[@bobsmith-mh7xz]

Love it!!! I confirmed that I did everything as I should have on my Buick 455.. just changed the oil after 500 miles.. no surprises. All good. Thanks for putting your videos out. I been at building engines for 40 years.. no way am I a professional. I’m a regular dude that learned the hard way. You may save some young buck from making mistakes the engine can’t survive from. Thanks again.. I learn something every time.

[@georgeliquor2931]

Priceless advice here years of accumulated experience and its free, we all really appreciate the time you give us Uncle Tony, and nothing you tell us is out of reach of the home engine builder

[@cfmechanic]

I used a gapless Napier 2nd ring and man am I happy I did. Bottom end has stayed together longer than it ever has before

[@govsux1]

I just put total seal gapless second ring in my fresh new build and it smokes like mad. It’s just been run on the stand. Did your smoke a lot? Not sure now if I did something wrong or I just need to get it in the car and under some load. Thoughts? Thanks

[@ewconway]

Like I have said in the past, UT would be a great auto shop teacher. His knowledge of engines is only surpassed by his enthusiasm and tenacity. Great job UT. Keep going 👍

[@robertoconnor3683]

I'm sure he would chafe at what teachers are paid.

[@drsnooz8112]

"Work like a gentleman." Words to live by

[@Sedan57Chevy]

Excellent video, Tony. Reminds me of my high school auto shop class, except I actually paid attention this time! You've got a great knack for explaining this stuff.

[@Zoobie914]

This is my therapy. Thanks Tony.

[@ptrd4111]

I know a lot of folks can look at this type of stuff with a headache, but this has been a lot of fun for me. Already replacing the rings and rod bearings, but im planning on doing the valves, rebuilding the carb, and rebuilding the alt just for the fun of it

[@samuelgoodman2825]

Great timing,inputting my 289 bottom end together now,using Hasting rings.

[@hayden6056]

I loved watching you do the gaps. The V6 on my stand is going to be pulled in 60k miles tops I have a pd blower and I'm contemplating nitrous. I was staring through a window trialing the rings til they were .040" gap as I felt too much was better than not enough.

[@StephenYoung-tb1pc]

After watching your videos, What I appreciate most, is your common sense, real life experienced explanations. Great advice and tips. Not some windbag trying to impress someone.

[@davidiverson]

Uncle Tony, this is one of your best videos. I learned a lot of practical knowledge from your lifetime of experience. I came away appreciating the amazing details of the simplest things like piston rings. Thank you!

[@kevinflowers3130]

Very informative. Thankful you addressed the lining up ring gap thing, there are folks out there that thing piston rings don't rotate. Another fine video, Tony.

[@morelanmn]

Another chapter in your engine book. well done.

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

Way to call me out Uncle Tony and we don't even know each other! I'm one of those guys that soaks the whole piston/ring assembly in a bucket of oil before installing them. That's OK, I have a thick skin...I also have a HUGE drip pan under my engine stand lol! Maybe I missed it in the video and, maybe it doesn't even really matter but, when it comes to knocking down the sharp edges on the gaps, I've always made it a habit to file from the outside of the ring toward the inside, especially on coated rings. It seems like filing from the inside out MIGHT cause the coating to chip. I've also recommended doing it this way to others. Have I started my own "wives tale"?

[@brandongreene3213]

timing is PERFECT! got an old SBC on the stand about to do my first rebuild

[@wht240sxka]

Really enjoyed the home engine builder series. I find myself coming back and watching segments again. Thanks Tony

[@brianjensen6724]

I was so fortunate to have Otto Halling and his ring manufacturing in my home town when I went to vocational school come in and explain piston rings to us back in the 70’s! He was the absolute guru about rings!

[@brianjensen6724]

He owned a ring manufacturing company in Rochester and invented a machine that mass produced piston rings

[@brianjensen6724]

Do a patent search and you will find he had multiple patents related to ring design and manufacturing

[@brianjensen6724]

I misspelled his name it’s Haling

[@keithkf250]

This is so good. I sure wish I'd have watched your videos BEFORE I re-built my SBF. You're really good at teaching. Thanks.

[@pauberrymon5892]

I wouldn't add or take away anything you covered in this Episode Uncle Tony, 👍👍👍Perfect rundown of the best procedures on installing pistons and rings.😎

[@pierrecarlsson902]

As you said in a previous video about where you prefer to be- the know-how-to-do-for-average-greasemonkeys-allovertheworld really IS your happy zone. I just love it!

[@marvingreen8047]

I love the focus on the little things. I am not a rookie, but if I was ,you're explaining things very well.

[@miker7294]

I love your how to videos. Lots of great information.

[@mylesgifford2226]

I love the info you have for the at home engine builder thank you.

[@frankglasgow]

I gotta do ring and flat cam break in soon. Great video Tony.

[@mopricefam]

We love you uncle Tony!!! Please keep these coming!

[@howlinhog]

Yeah baby! Hastings MI, my hometown. Many of my family members have worked there since I can remember and I'm in my sixties.

[@OldcarsNmusic]

Tony I'm glad you cleared up that thing about where to set the ring gaps, because I suspected they would move whenever the engine was running. That was a big worry of mine before I rebuilt the 318, that's going in my '82 Mirada.

[@AutoDudes]

Thanks Tony. This video definitely gives me more confidence in rebuilding my b18b1.

[@XxMusclecarsxX]

love these solo videos!

[@francfurian8215]

Top shelf lesson Uncle Tony. Cheers & stay safe😊

[@derekcruz7576]

I made a ring filler with die grinder and an old piston just to get through a pinch. Good Content UT

[@justicebruno5249]

The best UTG . Thanks again..your knowledge is killer! I've been watching a long time now. Tons of good video. Best on the tube

[@morandydacruz5995]

Waooo....that is the true teacher in regards to engineering motors, specifically on vehicles!!! 👍 timor 🇹🇱 leste

[@arthurrodesiler3109]

Rings really go on a special way on sbc and bbc. Both rings go on the same for sbc and bbc. By the gm manual for the best oil control as it matters as the crank turns the same way. When you set up one both banks the rings goes on all the pistons the same way. For molly rings to set really right the block needs to be deck honed. Molly rings are hard and won't seal right unless perfect round. I have a 454 with 400 finish I did with a with cast rings. Cast rings will wear in better on a cheap rebuilt. On my 454 I started out running 11:80 and every time I ran it ran 1/10th faster and stopped at 11:30 My big 454 motor with all the right stuff done to it it ran 10:30 and never got better with molly rings. Don't buy oversize rings as there is way to much work to get the end gaps right. I learned the hard way. Buy standard rings they are so close to the gap with just a file a few strokes and you have your clearance. The Gm repair manual says you can have up to .060 gap with no power lost. Only thing they noticed on the dyno was more blow by with no power lost. Myself that top ring could be .025 wide is were I would put it. Especially hypetic pistons which I have seen them blow the top of the ring groves to many times. Never seen that on a cast piston or forged pistons. Hypereutectic piston seems to hold a lot of moisture during warm up. If you get a backfire while playing with the throttle is when it happens the most. I honed my block with a good AMMACO CYLINDER HONE and it was almost .003 oversize and still not completely round with no taper. Those cheap 3 finger hones types are junk. I used forged LS6 piston and it was stock bore size plus.003. That is what ran 11:30 and still runs good after 25 years. I never herd any piston slap either. You just warm it up before you run it hard. I have shifted that motor at 7,000 rpm for years with oval port heads. Solid lifter cam with all chey stock parts and 3/8 stock rod bolts. Just a crane cam and springs. You just need to know what you are doing. I run 20/50 weight oil at 70 lbs of oil pressure at 7,000 I used the stock steel head gaskets which I belived are 019 thick. I should changed the head gaskets but at 70 years old I will when one goes. I hardly drive it anymore. Should sell it it is a 1981 Z28 black with about 3,500 orginal miles with the stock factory paint job on it yet. Last of the second generation. Bought it new in 1981. Years ago I bought like 6 pair of those gaskets from Gm which are no longer available. Don't by those Mr gasket ones they are junk. GM made the best one. Seems like they always get rid of the good stuff. I had a 1969 Nova SS drag car I spent most my time with. The Z28 was just a street car I hardly had time to drive much.

[@julianjennings4638]

Thx uncle Tony. Good reminders of what I've learned. Rin in for long life. Drive at operating temp 65% throttle to redline then off throttle for max vacuum. All loads and no constant loab/rpm has made my best long term

[@artjones2498]

that was a great explanation.....simple.......informative.....and slow so a person can understand it.....if they dont..???? thanks uncle tony

[@generovinsky7228]

love you man. ive been an engine man for 55 years plus. want you on my team

[@adamdonnay1843]

Best video on piston rings and cylinder installation on KZbin!!! ✅✅✅

[@Spxrc]

THIS IS THE BEST VIDEO TO BE HONEST, BIG THANK YOU SIR!!!

[@bryantracing3022]

Thanks uncle Tony im fixing my uncle's can you helped me out alot brother your the best

[@michaelmurphy2976]

Thank you for the easy to understand explanation

[@johnkufeldt3564]

had to watch this again Tony, |Gotta make sure I'mnot missing details,love your building and and carb stuff. Cheers!

[@rickh2044]

Thanks Uncle Tony! What a great instruction!

[@tthams73]

I love that! “Work like a gentlemen”!

[@crautoguy8384]

I was always taught and the only reason I placed the pistons Rings Apart is 180 out on oil rings it brings doesn't matter where they go Just not lined up always try to keep your gap 1st and 2nd ranger off the thrust side of the piston for initial startup excellent video glad you addressed it

[@ocam988able]

Great information. Answered lots of questions for me. 👍

[@ocam988able]

Excellent!

[@petar443]

Awesome 👍 Home engine building series

[@garycrawford6912]

Ton,y I'm a southern boy ,been around a lot of race tracks and been working on stuff my whole life, just like my father before me. I also watch alot of Utube videos. I wanna say that I really like your style, I learn something every time I've watched your videos. I think you did a great job on this video and thank you for taking the time to teach

[@grantbovee]

thank you

[@brianlevan339]

Excellent,,,,waiting for the next one.

[@globally123]

Another Gem Uncle Tony thanks.

[@kevinhathaway7240]

Love your content Tony!!

[@gregcampbell3064]

Great video series! When I was 17 in my Advanced Auto class I wanted to learn how to rebuild an engine and scrounged around and found a 327 with 461 heads on it. Then tore it down, measured everything and ordered a rebuild kit from PAW. Ordered cast rings, Clevite bearings, high volume oil pump, Victor gasket set, new valves, and a Crane cam. Machined the guides for pc seals, 3 angle valve job on the seats, and even back cut the new valves I ordered too. I thought I was "the man" and then ordered a Holley intake and carburetor. This motor ran great and never used a drop of oil and trust me, we put it through the testing grounds.

[@speedrover]

Great video!!!!

[@clovisbesnard6053]

I'm actually building my first engine (buick gs400 68). Your videos help me a lot! thanks!!

[@randywl8925]

Super cool series you're doing here Tony. You're covering every question a guy might have. 👍 (Or gal)

[@WaybackTECH]

I always have the bad luck of one of the oil rings popping out of the compressor as it is sliding into the bore. I even bought a fancy one for the reason of thinking it was those cheap band ones, but nope it did the same thing. Break in drives, besides varying the load on acceleration I also like to go up and down hilly roads.

[@NBSV1]

If you’re doing the same bore size regularly the one piece cone style compressors are awesome. That way you’re not fooling with a band and making sure everything stays compressed. They have a little lip that seats into the bore then you can push the piston in and the taper compresses the rings as it goes.

[@Green_Expedition_Drgn]

Sir, I just want to say, I APPRECIATE you ‼️❤

[@alanb287]

Where was this video 49 years ago when I bought my first car, a '64 Nova with a flat 6? It burned oil and also leaked transmission fluid almost as quickly. Thanks for this great video!

[@Mpreston89]

Thanks man love your videos!

[@oldtimerf7602]

You are doing the Lord's work Tony!

[@randyhoyum6382]

Thanks! Found you page and it's been amazingly helpful as I embark on an engine swap project for my Miata.

[@jontrudell7529]

CAR CULTURE LEADER UTG!!!

[@wheels-n-tires1846]

Anothet great vid Uncle!!! Ive built many an engine but its always nice to hear...idk... Vindication(?) about some of our methods. One topic not touched on...oil choice for break in...

[@SamHodby]

That's me, the guy doing his first engine!!!! Loving your videos man. Only just came across your channel, so have heeps to watch, and loving every minute! keep it up :)

[@anthonyanderson1479]

work like a gentleman

[@rustypliers74]

I went with moly rings on my 355 build on my Chevy. I went with different pistons as well

[@rodrigokishi]

Thank you from Brazil

[@TAULBEE]

Love your vids so helpful

[@chickenfoundation9323]

When I was going to paint my block you upload a video about it, I went to check piston ring gap and just so happen to upload a video on it 🤯

[@danielferraro59]

love yr vids , wish i watched them before my porsche build . dan from england

[@mrdanforth3744]

Old school way to adjust ring gap is to clamp a fine 6" file in the vice and hold the ring in both hands and move it up and down. Then use a whetstone to clean off the edge.

[@brokentoolgarage8609]

Good stuff!

[@shoominati23]

Their are also the elliptical Dykes type ring and the Napier type with the hooked bottom outer edge for certain applications where you might need optimum oil removal .. I have had good luck with Total Seal's Quick Seat powder for breaking in rings and bores. You clean the bore spotlessly (piston too) with ac.etone till a white rag picks up no black marks, then mist the bores with WD40 and wipe it away. Now when you go to apply the powder, if all is done right - the powder will turn green, if the bore is still too dirty or contaminated - it will turn a blackish color.

[@mikejacobs4727]

I appreciate your videos . I have a little machine shop experience when I worked in one a kid. I'm rebuilding my supercharged Jaguar s type r . The motor ran but was blowing smoke really bad when I decided to rebuild it. Part of the problem was valve seals where shot. The machine shop said they were in pretty good shape for 235k miles. I checked the cylinder bores the way you showed me with old piston rings . The cylinders are true and not warped. I haven't brought the block to the machine shop yet. I did clean pistons of carbon etc. Some of the old rings were frozen and didn't seem like they were functioning properly. I bought Hastings rings for my 86 mm bore . What's interesting is the old ring gap is . 028 . The new ring gap is . 017-.018. I didnt know the gap could wear that much. I almost bought the dinkleberry hone but after seeing your video Im glad I didn't . I'm gonna let the machine shop crosshatch the cylinders for me. Is it normal for the old rings to be thicker ? The old rings are . 010 thicker . Thanks again.

[@christopherologist]

If you're still building this, forced induction ring should have more gap than naturally aspirated.

[@backstab335]

perfect timing, I just got my new rings in the mail today , gonna install them tomorrow thanks for the info

[@skylinefever]

Exciting. What kind did you get, and where will they be used?

[@backstab335]

@@skylinefever d series honda with vitara pistons and 0.5mm oversized hastings rings, building for boost

[@skylinefever]

@@backstab335 That is an interesting combo. I love when people mix bits and pieces from other cars and get good results. Ready to set gap for your boost pressure?

[@backstab335]

@@skylinefever yee, i have it all writen down, but basically i bought someone elses project and found out that one piston ring was gaped way too loose, about 3x the factory gap, so i had to buy full set and regap them myself, also i found out today that with this conecting rod and piston combo i would only have about 6.9:1 compression ratio and it really sucks.. and there is no good option of pistons for my block so my plan is to mill the block and the head atleast 2mm each, that should put me at around 8.6:1 comp, im just hoping it turns out well

[@skylinefever]

@@backstab335 Get some clay to measure piston to valve clearance. Since you are removing a total of 4mm, that could be a disaster.

[@tomhurley974]

I had molly rings put in my 454 and my break in time was maybe 20 miles before I ran it wide open in 1/8 mile or less bursts that was 25 years ago engine still has even compression of 195 to 200 psi. boat engine chevy 350 rebuilt ran wide open immediately no problem.Think of all the drag racers and their engines break in is probably 20 minutes for cam and then wide open down the track.

[@efijemuehphilip542]

Hi,thanks for this video.please at what rpm should be the first 30 minutes of run time

[@craigf2696]

The second ring is not a compression ring, it's an oil scraper. The third or oil control ring distributes oil upward on the cylinder wall. The second ring clears the wall of excess oil on intake and power strokes. The second ring should be gapped by 1.5 to 2 times the top ring factor to avoid unseating top ring due to overpressure between the top 2 rings.

[@faithpotato]

Thankyou,thankyou brother for this info. I am currently right in the middle of rebuilding my Ford Ranger motor. It had alot of miles on it,carried alot of weight,(tools), for alot of miles. Thankfully,my dear friend of many years who worked in an engine rebuilding shop is helping me,but he is 73 now and has gaps in his focus. I am a successful carpenter,and good at swapping parts in a car,but engine rebuilding is very demanding and precise,Ive learned after 2 attempts iny life of just winging it myself,both engines blew up.(please,keep the carpenter away from the motor),type of thing. Anyway,thankyou.

[@jamesbrussels5776]

Hi Tony good job

[@gizmothewytchdoktor1049]

it takes a steady hand but a dremel tool in conjunction with soft copper plates and a drill vise goes well. chamfering them works with the setup also. the mantra should be measure...measure...think then cut. repeat. in my case it was x24 instead of x16 because v12 jaguar.

[@edbeeinnv]

Thanks UT! It has been almost 40 years since I last assembled an engine (an FE Ford) and soon I'll be refreshing that same engine so these pointers are great. Do you have any experience with propane as an engine fuel? Any things to watch out when putting together and engine that will run on propane. Thanks again, I really like that range of videos you have on your channel (from carbs versus EFI to rip-off car flippers to the insanity of some aspects of modern automobiles, etc., etc.)

[@Coyote9smilespergallon]

You should contact Lake Speed Jr at total seal and you could do a segment on ported ring and maybe gapless rings?? You’d be really good at it like you were here.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Be aware that total seal can modify stock rings to make them "zero gap". I did this on a rebuild several years ago because they liked the quality of the oem ring sample I sent them better than their own rings. Early 2000s and it cost like 30$ per "hole". I had the top ring made zero gap for a boosted 4 cylinder setup. Use their dry film cylinder lube too, total with back and forth shipping back then was under 200$ and well worth it in the long run. Leak down after 10k, I thought my gauge was broken it was like 1% max.

[@TallGarage]

pretty sure they are called gap-less not zero gap.

[@skylinefever]

I read that is is especially good for diesel guys. They could get a gapless second ring if the top is keystone. The added bonus is that less soot enters the oil, and diesels do soot up the oil quickly.