Problem installing pistons

[95blackGsTurbo]

I am installing 2g piston's out of a 95 gsx into my 6-bolt. Problem is that everytime I try to install them the bottom oiling ring pops out before I can get it in there. I am using a ring compressor and am tapping it flush with the block but when I got to tap the piston in it just pops the bottom oil ring out before it gets into the cylinder bore. Am I not tightening it enough or are the oiling rings different size's on teh top and bottom. Any help would be appreciated. This has been one PITA after another all of the sudden.

 

[99gst_racer]

What type of compressor are you using? Tapered or adjustable?

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

Ok I got them in by using the old oiling rings but they go in REALLY tight. And when I tried to get them out I really had to pound to get them out. Any idea why they are so tight? Are they supose to be that tight?

 

[99gst_racer]

You might need to take a ridge reamer to the top of each cylinder. On some high mileage blocks, there is a ridge formed naturally as the area of piston and ring travel in the cylinder wears and the portion above it does not. If you don't remove this ridge, there is a possibility that your new larger and very sharp-edged rings will be broken by contacting the ridge. The ridge reamer is a cutting tool that will equally cut around the very top edge of the cylinder to remove the ridge. Many people cut that ridge off before they even pull the pistons off to avoid damaging the ring lands. That ridge could be the source of your problems with ring installation and removal.

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

Block was honed though. And it is just the oiling rings that are the problem. Even the used ones go in easy but they are just so tough to get down. Are the supose to be that hard to get in. I put the top part of the piston in and the top 2 rings go in great. Pull it right back out.

 

[99gst_racer]

The oil ring should no be difficult to compress at all. Is the oil ring groove cleaned out well? Are your rings for a 6-bolt or a 7-bolt?

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

I have tried both. With just the oil rings they fit in the cylinder perfect. But the oiling ring has that little groove on the inside that keeps the oiling rings from compressing enough to get it into the cylinder.

 

[99gst_racer]

So, the problem is that the oil ring will not fully compress into the ring groove, right? That seems very odd.

I am re-assembling one of my 6-bolt blocks tonight. I'll take a close look at the rings and grooves; maybe there is something that we are missing. I'll report back tonight or tomorrow morning.

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

The oil ring will compress in there, but the rings that go above and below it won't compress all of the way because of the groove on the oiling ring. What rings did you get? Part number?

 

[99gst_racer]

The oil ring will compress in there, but the rings that go above and below it won't compress all of the way because of the groove on the oiling ring. What rings did you get? Part number?

Maybe you could try filing them down a bit, to make them fit. I've never known it to be nessacery to file them, but if it works.....

I'm rebuilding my 6-bolt out of my 90 AWD. It's my winter beater and daily driver, so I'm doing a non-performance budget rebuild. With that being said, I'm going to be using a cheap set of Federal Mogul/Sealed Power rings. Part number E-522KC.

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

Are you putting 2g pistons in it though, because that is what I am doing.

 

[99gst_racer]

Are you putting 2g pistons in it though, because that is what I am doing.

No, I'm using my stock 1G pistons....

I guess, I'm really not sure what you are referring to when you mention the groove on the oil ring getting in the way....

 

[GST2012GSX]

Are you putting 2g pistons in it though, because that is what I am doing.

Im sorry, I know this is very old but Im having the same problem with the same rings on the 1g pistons. The rings wont compress allthe way and I was wondering, did you found out what was the problem? I will aprreciated your info on this matter. Thank you

 

[JacksonAuto]

It sounds like the expander ring is overlapping. That's the wavy looking part of the oil control ring- they can be tricky to get on properly. You'll want to put it on first and where the ends come together, use your thumb to press it into the ring groove to stop the ends from overlapping while you install the support rails.

 

[BogusSVO]

Or the bevel at the top of the cylinder is too small, that will cause the ring to pop out between the compressor and the block.

Common if the block has been decked and bored.

 

[GST2012GSX]

Well, thanks for the award!😁 I found the problem on why the oil rings didnt fit the piston, and the problem is ### there are two types of oil rings shallow and deep. So the ones I need are shallow, thats why the rings were sticking out to much.

 

[BogusSVO]

Deep rings should be the 6 bolts, the early 7 bolts with the 3mm oil scrapers are shallow, where the later 7 bolts use a 2.8mm oil scraper and shallow grooves.

 

[GST2012GSX]

This engine that im working on is from the galant vr4, would that explained why this are shallow oil rings?

 

[BogusSVO]

The VR4 should be a 6 bolt.

Now keep in mind this info is for the factory stock NPR pistons. If you have forged pistons then this info would not apply.

Factory NPR 6 bolt pistons will be marked 63DT on the crown

7 bolts will be marked 63DTF1