Piston Ring Indexing

[ElephantKiller]

Hey guys,
I installed my pistons this last weekend and I got to thinking about it and I don't think I remembered to index my compression rings (locate the ring gaps). Am I over a barrel or can I let it go? I am still at a point that I can take the pistons out, but I would rather not. Thoughts?

 

[340mopar]

If you are at a point that you could still take out the pistons and check the rings then I would. If the ring gaps are lined up, it might use a little more oil but if the ring gaps are on the thrust side of the bore it could put a gouge or wear spot in the bore. Something to think about.


Chuck

 

[D-mailman]

I am with '340' on this. Yes check it. Last thing you want to do is build a new motor with 80,000 miles on it. That is what you would have with ALL that blow by. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do. Terry.

 

[dartGTS440]

Redo it while it's easy. It'll be 100x more difficult once the engine is in the car and you're not happy with it. A little work now, or a lot more work later!

Chuck

 

[ElephantKiller]

Well gents, I took your advice. I pulled each of the pistons and indexed the gaps to opposite sides of the pistons, over the wrist pins. There were a few with the gaps on the thrust side of the piston. Thanks for pushing me the way I needed to go and keeping me vigilant. The wife even helped out. I was trying to make some "together time" brownie points and get something done on the Duster at the same time. She even said that she wouldn't mind me building her a Duster or Demon, as long as it was pink. This may not have ended up that bad after all.