File Fit Rings.

[Cesar]

I was wondering if there is a specific type of file that must be used in order to file the gap for the compression rings.

Thanks
Cesar

 

[half-cocked]

You can use a regular file wrapped in a towel in a vise, but thats not the best way to do it. When I did mine I bought a Proform manual ring filer for $50 from Summit, did an ok job, I gapped my Ross rings to .017" and it came up more or less accurate. Summit sells there own brand of filer for $32 and if I had to do it again I would have bought that. Only benefit from the Proform one is that the place where the handle goes in you can fit a cordless drill on it, but I had to order more rings from Ross because I went buck wild and way over gapped. If you do file your own rings, I was told if you're going to make some power gap them a little more. For example the Ross rings call for top ring .017" I shot for anything in between .017"-.019" and the second ring called for .020" and aimed for .020" - .022". Remember after you get them to the desired gap to file the burrs off, I used a fine sharpening stone from Home Depot and filed till I couldn't feel the ridges and got some of the coating off the rings.

 

[Cesar]

I don't mind ordering the ring filer from summit, but unfortunately I don't have time to spare. My motor needs to come together asap.
If I use a regular file, from course to fine I should be able to get a decent gap no? If I perform it carefully I can have a nice smooth finish no?

Thank you for the reply...
Cesar

 

[half-cocked]

Stick with a medium file, and when you get to your desired gap, clean it up with a fine file. Remember you are working with fractions of an inch, a little goes a long way. Another thing to think about, I dont know what rings you are using but traditionally the second ring and top ring are made of different materials. My second ring was a softer material and thats how I over gapped, the filer ate too much too quick. It's tough to judge a smooth finish, I just made sure I couldn't feel any burrs and I filed the coating off the very edge of the gap for good measure.

 

[Cesar]

That's vey helpful info, thanks.

 

[ballagsx]

how bad is it if you dont file your rings?

 

[half-cocked]

Well, if you dont file rings that are file fit rings, when the engine warms up and the rings expand the ends will make contact. That can cause an array of problems you dont want to have anything to do with, cracked rings, cylinder wall scuffing, etc.

 

[Cesar]

I just used the file in the vise method. Pretty easy... Soon I will have my car ready. I can't wait...