is the way you install piston rings important?

[MagicJames]

So I'm stupified. I was just reading, (yes I know how) and it said install piston rings with the numbering up. Is this important?

Let me know!!!!!

[mohadib]

So is it safe to assume you already installed them with the numbering down?

[rdlsz24]

lol I don't know if it is super critical but everybody says it so there must be some truth to it

Rob

[AutoXer]

if it says to install numbers up .........

[MonroeMike]

Yes, they the edges are shaped different, look for a pic in your manual.

Top ring is usually shiny or has a shiny edge, 2nd ring is normally all black. The marking on the ring faces up (I've seen them with T, P, and R's so far). I had to use a magnifying glass to see it (I have lousy eyesight).

[Dirtcrasher]

4 stroke, 2 stroke?? How about some info??

Numpers/letters go UP and stagger them:

4 Stroke - shiney ring on top @ 10PM, carbon colored ring next @ 2AM.

Center oil ring next @ 6 AM/PM and it's brothers above @ 8AM and below it last @ 4AM

2 Stroke - identical rings in the groove, numbers or letters UP.

Yes it is important

[MagicJames]

250R.
Crap. Tearing it apart again. I should read before I do stuff. Shame on me

[ceaserthethird]

Let see some pictures - to learn ?

Close up's ...

[MagicJames]

Luckily I have not started the motor.

So I think ill get off ok.

Hopefilly

[ilmoakw]

4 stroke, 2 stroke?? How about some info??

Numpers/letters go UP and stagger them:

4 Stroke - shiney ring on top @ 10PM, carbon colored ring next @ 2AM.

Center oil ring next @ 6 AM/PM and it's brothers above @ 8AM and below it last @ 4AM

2 Stroke - identical rings in the groove, numbers or letters UP.

Yes it is important

I got mine all wrong My top ring was at 10AM and the carbon was at 2PM .....

[rebel33382]

does it matter where 12 oclock is, like on the exhaust side or intake side?

[Dirtcrasher]

I got mine all wrong My top ring was at 10AM and the carbon was at 2PM .....

You can stagger them ANY way you wish. The way I posted is just my way of keeping it simple and they offset one another that they should be great.

BUT, you can stagger them any way you wish as long as they are staggered :

[atc350xer]

Old post, I know, but nobody said anything about the oil rings... I see no markings, so can they be installed either way up/down?
Shortline, if you're reading this, this is the piston/rings you sent me for a 110. There are no clips for the wrist pin, will my stock Honda ones fit this aftermarket piston?

[midsouthtrikes]

You install rings with any marking up due to keystone shaped or carbon ridge rings. Also, when the ring isn't pinned like most four stroke engines it is rule of thumb not to place end gaps in the thrust area of the piston (front and rear) this is where the piston is thrust into the cylinder wall during the big bang and also when it changes direction at bdc. This is what we teach at the college I work at. Never knew about no ring gaps in the thrust area until I started teaching. If you think about it it makes sense, not thrusting the end gaps into the cylinder wall to cause a scuff. I actually had a group at school several months back pull down a Detroit series 60 with a grove in number six cylinder. Guess where the ring gap was, inline with the grove on the major thrust side of the piston. Sorry for the long post!

[atc350xer]

You install rings with any marking up due to keystone shaped or carbon ridge rings. Also, when the ring isn't pinned like most four stroke engines it is rule of thumb not to place end gaps in the thrust area of the piston (front and rear) this is where the piston is thrust into the cylinder wall during the big bang and also when it changes direction at bdc. This is what we teach at the college I work at. Never knew about no ring gaps in the thrust area until I started teaching. If you think about it it makes sense, not thrusting the end gaps into the cylinder wall to cause a scuff. I actually had a group at school several months back pull down a Detroit series 60 with a grove in number six cylinder. Guess where the ring gap was, inline with the grove on the major thrust side of the piston. Sorry for the long post!

Thanks for the extra info! My cylinder had a long scrape inside from the last guy doing that, I'll bet.