Do I have the wrong rings?

[Basil]

So why does a 1500 require such huge gaps? A TRactor motor has a bigger bore (which would presumably require more gap to allow for thermal expansion), but the specified ring gap is only .003 - .010".
And my 1300 manual agrees with Andy's (likely the same manual) at .012 - .022"

I have no idea.

 

[TR6oldtimer]

The gap on a TR6/250:
Top Compression .012-.017"
2nd Compression .008-.013"
Scraper plain .015-.055"
Scraper Scraper ring ends to butt

I would set them to the minimum and install.

 

[Basil]

The gap on a TR6/250:
Top Compression .012-.017"
2nd Compression .008-.013"
Scraper plain .015-.055"
Scraper Scraper ring ends to butt

I would set them to the minimum and install.

I was thinking along the lines of splitting the difference and going for .014

 

[TR6oldtimer]

.014" works for me. Shoot, with my eyes, I would be happy to just get them somewhere within the allowable range.

Did you notice on the TR6 engine, the larger gap for the top ring? That's the one that takes the most abuse from the hot gasses and apparently expands more.

 

[TheSearcherMan]

My friend, who worked at a Jaguar, MG, Healy dealer in the 60's and 70's when questioned, said if it was him, he wouldn't worry about the .002. However, he seems to be able to do no wrong when it comes to engine rebuilding, he has the magic touch. Also, what is the oil ring gap? And, if you checked one, and there is no room for error, being that the gap it on the low side, you will have to check them all to make sure one isn't even smaller. When I did my engine, the rings were in the middle of specs, so I only checked 4-5 rings. My buddy also has the fancy ring filer tool, he loaned it to me at the time, but I did not need it.

 

[Basil]

I have only checked two so far and they were the same, but tomorrow I plan to check all the rings in all the cyls tomorrow, including the oil rings.

 

[TR3driver]

I plan to check all the rings in all the cyls tomorrow, including the oil rings.

Good man !