orientation of piston ring gaps

[Evan]

So all ring gaps have to be away from the piston pins. Ok so I should put them in quadrants @ 45 degress apart from top and bottom. That way they are away from piston pins and thrust?

 

[1200ts]

It does not matter.  As soon as you start the engine, the rings will rotate to what ever position they want regardless of where you put them during assembly. I always put each gap 120 degrees from each other (three rings) even though I know they are gonna move.

 

[piranha-bro2]

It does not matter.  As soon as you start the engine, the rings will rotate to what ever position they want regardless of where you put them during assembly. I always put each gap 120 degrees from each other (three rings) even though I know they are gonna move.

Me too. I have them 45 deg off front-back and 180 between top and 2nd - just habit. Never checked what's happened when I pull the motor apart after that, but I'm sure they do move.

 

[tom3c75]

So, if one needs to remove the barrels, say to get at the bottom end, then they can be replaced over existing piston rings, i.e. without needing to fit new rings and honing the bores? 

This assuming all was well with the top end to begin with.

Tom

 

[Paul Marx]

So, if one needs to remove the barrels, say to get at the bottom end, then they can be replaced over existing piston rings, i.e. without needing to fit new rings and honing the bores? 

This assuming all was well with the top end to begin with.

Tom

Of course.
Paul

 

[sfcpiet]

It does not matter.  As soon as you start the engine, the rings will rotate to what ever position they want regardless of where you put them during assembly. I always put each gap 120 degrees from each other (three rings) even though I know they are gonna move.

True.

Complete myth having to stagger the gaps evenly.

piet