Gonna gap the rings this weekend; which I've never done before and I'm not sure about what specs to go with. I've looked at both the 85 FSM and 93 FSM figuring they would be the same but their not. This is for an 22R and Im using the moly top rings from engnbldr if that matters:
85 FSM
Standard
no1 ring - 0.009-0.015in.
no2 ring - 0.007-0.017in.
Oil ring - 0.008-0.032in.

93 FSM
Standard
no1 ring - 0.0098-0.0185in.
no2 ring - 0.0236-0.0323in.
Oil ring - 0.0079-0.0224in.

I realize the variation on the no.1 ring between years isn't much but the no.2 ring seems to be alot. What specs should I go with? May not be a big deal but Im learning as I go; before this rebuild my engine was a real oil burner so I dont wanna screw up at this stage and end up with another.thanks

*edit* also, the gaps should not be lined up right? is there a specific degree at witch they should be offset/rotated? ie. 90* 120* 180* or does it really matter?

to be safe i'd go towards the wider end of the spectrum -- better to use a little oil(though you should have no problem if things are remotely in spec), than to have a ring with no gap expand, shatter and take out the bore.

definitely don't line up the gaps -- most FSMs and manuals show the factory recommended sequence.

You're supposed to gap them?? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />

I just used the ring compressor till they fit in the cylinder.. oh well. Been 3,000miles and I have 170psi across the board with no oil burning. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

-Scerb <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

Nothing will happen intill it unexpectantly explodes and destroys the truck killing the driver (you) and possibly taking out a local school full of children. I'd deffinately stop driving the truck and give it to me for safe keeping, better fill it with gas too (just in case).

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" />

(I just couldn't resist)

>>>*Ring end gap should always be checked, we find the Hastings ring sets come out snugger than all other brands by just a tad. I like the ones Rockproducts supplies, usually we check them and stick them in...Hastings is a good piece, though.

*When we build an engine inhouse (don't ask, I am retired *insert lazy*...*LOL**..) we use .018"-.020" for the top ring end gaps and anything within the plus/minus specs for the 2nds and oil rings.

The reason is that if everything is perfect then minimums are of no concern. Now I know that you and I ARE perfect (well, me anyway) *heehee..but every once in awhile a fresh engine will be operated with upset tuning.

Along comes the enemy, it's name is heat. If the gap is too close, the ring can heat up and expand, jerking the head right off the piston, cracking the 2nd ring land, or messing up a perfectly good cylinder bore very quickly.

Setting them a shade looser hurts nothing, we just file them lightly until we are happy with the fit.

By the way, DON'T line up the gaps, best to offset them for a beginning install...

*Le' and I are down at the coast pi**ing away our kid's inheritence this evening (she is UP $650, I broke even) We be back tomorrow if you need any help.......*EB