Why is My Hastings Piston Ring Gap Too BIG ?

[@Obsidian369]

Gaps look fine, I just read manufacturers tend to air on the side of caution for thermal expansion and friction lock up.

[@SOLIDnickel1958]

Hello @mdankanich3rd, Thank you for the comment.

[@black_sheep_fab9411]

And that ring will have less tension than the old one. It is probably fine but when you reduce radial thickness it reduces ring tension. You can talk to hastings but I assure you you won't find a ring that is correct with the end gap without going to a file fit ring and setting them yourself.

[@brocluno01]

Look closer at the ends to make sure that set was not sold before and have been filed ...

[@SOLIDnickel1958]

Hello @brocluno6908, None of the rings look like they have been filed down. Thanks for the comment.

[@turkeyboyjh1]

Sounds like you have a set of rings for the wrong pistons, check the year of the block I’ve used Hastings on every build I’ve ever done and the only problem I’ve had were ordering the wrong rings because the pistons were aftermarket/different design than what I was expecting, what engine is this, looks like a Buick v6 of some sort??? If so they made those engines for many years wouldn’t be surprised if there was a ring package change, also wouldn’t be surprised if it was a problem for the Hastings facility they’re pretty good but not perfect

[@SOLIDnickel1958]

Hello @turkeyboyjh1, It is a 1992 Plymouth 3.3 engine. The pistons are stock standard size. Thank you for the comment.

[@aaronbarnes8938]

What is the actual ring gap? You need to measure it with the feeler gauge and you need to contact Hastings directly to see what you need and what the actual part number is.

[@SOLIDnickel1958]

Hello @aaronbarnes8938, The ring end gap should be 0.012 to 0.022. These rings have an end gap of 0.050. I have emailed Hastings. Thank you for the comment.

[@johnnybowman80]

Did these Hastings piston rings?Have indicator marks like a dot?

[@SOLIDnickel1958]

johnnybowman80, No dot.

[@black_sheep_fab9411]

Most all rings are way over spec. That's why you have to order file fit rings. I've never had any that weren't at least .005 over. I'm typing as I'm watching. If that's the oil scraper they a lot of times are way oversized cuz they don't really matter. Check all 3 and post another video

[@SOLIDnickel1958]

Hello @black_sheep_fab9411, I did email Hastings, and are waiting to hear back from them. I will post another video with what I find out. Thank you for your comments.