2G Piston ring problem

[spyderdrifter]

I'm currently trying to install my pistons, but I can't get the ring spacer to lock together I guess. I know end to end, is way too big of a ring to fit the piston, but the ends won't mesh together. The links are the same size from end to end. What can I do?

Also, the ring packaging says install the middle and top rings with the arrows/ dots up. There's none of either. Only engravings for ring sizes. Other side is blank. Which side up?

 

[spyderdrifter]

I decided to run a compression test today just for the hell of it. I only had 41 miles on the engine, so I'm aware that the test was probably very pointless. However, I did it just to get starting baseline figures so I'll know the condition of my rings seating. Just looking to see if these numbers are off to a good start.

Cyl 1: 1st run, 113psi; 2nd run, 115psi
Cyl 2: 1st run, 109psi; 2nd run, 110psi
Cyl 3: 1st run, 115psi; 2nd run, 115psi
Cyl 4: 1st run, 120psi; 2nd run, 120psi

Just my curiosity. Thanks.

 

[Aproductions]

Which method did you use to break the car in? More info about the rebuild please.

 

[spyderdrifter]

Its not even close to being broken in. I've only put 41 miles on it. I'm staying easy on it, but also adding brief higher rpms and just varying my driving. Not being too easy or too hard on it. Just for the sake of not retyping everything, here's the link to my build so far with the reasons for rebuilding: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/dsm-build-journals/439208-97-gst-spyder-street-autocross.html. Just don't want to type it all out.

 

[WES_393]

Did you use the Motoman or any other high-load break in method? If not, I would definitely start getting on the engine. You don't want to go easy on it. Get into boost often and let the car engine-brake (leave in gear to decelerate).

 

[spyderdrifter]

I have been engine braking, I do that normally anyway . I've been getting into higher rpm and shifting around 4500-5000rpms. Normally I'd shift around 3500.

 

[rcarbajal4]

What Wes said. From what I know, the first 20 miles are crucial. Those first few miles decide how well (if at all) they seat. I would definitely get on it, and let the engine brake to create some vacuum.

 

[bryanwheat]

That's pretty low. You should have higher compression than that on a fresh engine that hasn't even been started yet. Did you have the throttle plate open and all the spark plugs out when you did the test. Also how long did you crank the engine when testing each cylinder.

 

[spyderdrifter]

Unfortunately the first 20miles got done in 2 separate test drives. The first one I was getting on the throttle, and then had coolant leaks I had to fix and change out the head gasket again. I was pissed that I didn't get to do all the miles in one outing since I had read that break in page WES mentioned.


I forgot to keep the throttle plate open...... I knew I was forgetting something guess I'll be running the test again.

 

[Aproductions]

I was asking just in general. I didnt know if you did just a DIY hone and re-ring or do like a .020 over bore. I didnt mean specifics. And also I was asking to see if you did the motoman method because as someone mentioned it is the FIRST 20 miles that really matter most.


Goodluck with it and hopefully you did the test wrong.

Edit, just read the build thread. Looks like you did a good job on the rebuild. But that sucks about the coolant issue. I honestly would have really tried for those 20 miles though. I would have watched the coolant temp religiously however.

 

[spyderdrifter]

I was asking just in general. I didnt know if you did just a DIY hone and re-ring or do like a .020 over bore. I didnt mean specifics. And also I was asking to see if you did the motoman method because as someone mentioned it is the FIRST 20 miles that really matter most.


Goodluck with it and hopefully you did the test wrong.

Yeah, there was no way I was doing a hone job myself. Had my machinist do that for me Please don't take my last reply to you as bad, wasn't trying to come off that way.

 

[vingasoline]

Thats low. I took mine out on the highway, 6000rpms in third and decelerated then accelerated for about 10 kms. After 50kms my compression was 170

I got lucky cause my feshly built engine spent the first 4 hours of its life idling while i worked out some bugs. I thought for sure the rings wouldn't seat.

 

[spyderdrifter]

Well based on your 4 hour idling, I should be in the clear. Plus I'm thinking since I forgot to keep the throttle plate open, that might be where the problem lies. I'm doing the test again tomorrow and I'll post back with the updated results.


Also so you guys are aware, the one and only reason why I'm still driving it not too hard is because I'm still hearing the scrapping sound the I heard before the oil sprocket got damaged. Never had this noise before then. So I'm still leery of it. I've made damn sure the sprocket is torqued on. It's still tight. The only time I hear this noise.is when I'm actively driving. Its not present while stopped and at idle. Nor is it present while stopped and raising rpms. Had a friend come by and hold the throttle at various rpms while I searched around... no noises at all. Only while driving. I don't want to end up in high rpm and then something happens and then I'm S.O.L.....