Piston ring installation is one of several critical operations performed during an engine overhaul or rebuild. When installing the rings on the pistons, damage can be caused without the operator’s knowledge that will cause early engine failure.
It is important to use proper ring installation tools and to exercise care when opening the ring to put it on the piston. If the points of the ring are not kept on line with each other the ring will be bent or otherwise distorted. In order to perform properly, a compression ring must seal not only on its O.D. face but on its side faces. If the ring is bent it offers a leakage path for both blow-by and oil.
For the proper way to install compression rings, check out Tough Guy Tech Tips: Installation of Compression Rings below.
