Piston rings

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Dayknight-VW
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Piston rings

Post by Dayknight-VW »

Howsit guys.. In terms of brands of rings which is the best. AE, Hastings or Kolben. I can’t seem to get Mahle so I’m just stuck with these makes…

Also when fitting them on the piston is it really necessary to use a ring expanding tool? I’ve been reading up that slight distortion in the ring causes issues. Don’t want to make a mistake that could cost me the entire motor.

Thanks
mk3vr6golf
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Re: Piston rings

Post by mk3vr6golf »

Howdy Bud
Hastings are excellent as are the other brands mentioned, nothing wrong with them. Why don't use your fingers/hands and carefully install them :) i do this on my VR6
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Re: Piston rings

Post by missioner »

Hastings are my preferred brand for most of the engines I have built. Never had issues with them other than those caused by the faults that you find behind the steering wheel.

Make sure your pistons are SPOTLESS. Use an old ring and clean the ring grooves until there is as little carbon in them as humanly possible. Clamp the rod into a vise to keep the piston steady and install the rings starting at the bottom with the oil rings first. Make sure to install them the right way up. The compression rings will be marked on the top and the oil rings to check just squeeze them closed and the direction they bend toward is the top.

When installing the pistons into the block keep the openings 120° apart and not parallel or perpendicular to the gudgeon pin.

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'87 Golf 1 Olde Skewl OEM+
Dayknight-VW
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Re: Piston rings

Post by Dayknight-VW »

Thanks guys
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