FAQ
Tough Guy Tech Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore many of our customers’ most commonly asked questions, about Hastings Piston Rings. If you’re not able to find what you’re looking for, please contact us.
Is my ring set double Moly (top and 2nd groove)?
No – only the top ring in the set is Moly filled.
Are the dimensions in metric?
Yes
Can I get a "file to fit" ring set?
File fit sets are available in the performance racing rings only.
Can I work on TecDoc offline?
Yes, the TecDoc cd can be used offline. It is updated quarterly.
Compression rings have an inside bevel - which way does the bevel go?
ID bevel rings should have a dot to indicate the top of ring. Positive twist rings ID bevel up, whereas negative twist rings ID bevel down so be sure to check for the dot.
Do I need a username to use TecDoc?
Yes
Do I need to know the radial wall of the ring set before I purchase the set?
More than 1.3 million engine enthusiasts use TecDoc.
Do many people use TecDoc?
The ring set for the engine is manufactured to fit the OE engine application, so you do not need to know the radial wall.
Does my ring set have a Low Tension oil ring?
A Hastings oil rings are manufactured to fit the OEM requirements, meaning if the original ring set had lower tension the Hastings set will also have lower tension. With performance ring sets and motors the tension is listed in the performance catalog.
Does my ring set have the SHALLOW OIL RINGS (my piston is shallow)?
If the ring set was selected based on the year, make and engine model, the correct rings will be in the set if shallow oil rings are needed for that engine.
How can I tell if the ring is Moly, Chrome or Cast?
Moly will have a shiny grey OD; chrome will have a shiny silver OD and the cast ring will be black in color on all surfaces.
How do I know if I have the correct oversize?
The oversize is stated on the set label of the ring set – check the ring end gap in your bore to verify correct gap to bore.
How many brands are on TecDoc?
There are over 560 aftermarket brands with more than 136 million linkages of part numbers to vehicle applications.
I bought this set and it is supposed to be Chrome-Moly - how can I tell I have the correct rings?
Coatings on the rings are either moly filled or chrome plated. You can look at the side of your box to see the abbreviation as well. The set number indicates:
2C = Chrome
2M = Moly
No prefix = Cast
I don't want a Chrome ring set, they never "seat"
Chrome rings are “pre-seated” before leaving the factory. Proper finish of the cylinder wall for Chrome rings (220-280 Grit stone) will ensure a better and faster seating of the rings.
I removed the rings from the box, which is the top ring and which is the 2nd?
2nd ring has a DOT on the top and an inside bevel on the bottom – install DOT towards top of piston, check top ring for inside bevel, bevel install up, if no inside bevel, install either way in top groove.
Is my ring set Plasma Moly?
If the rings have a shiny grey O.D. indicating it is a Moly filled top ring.
Is TecDoc available in multiple languages?
Yes, it is available in 28 languages.
My application is a metric engine - how do I know I have the correct set and oversize?
If the engine is metric, the ring set is fitted for the metric bore and groove widths; the label on the set box is SAE.
The gap on the rings are out of spec. What should I do?
Advise customer standard SAE spec for Aftermarket – most customers are reading the manual for the OE rings and assume that is the spec.