Clocking piston rings

[Talkwrench]

Usually you see descriptions on how to clock piston rings for install in " conventional engines" any gurus clock them a certain way for a flathead?

 

[Bored&Stroked]

Doesn't make much real difference, they'll move around a bit anyways. For me, clocking is more of an issue of making the installation as easy as possible - as I usually have relieved engines. The issue is that it is difficult enough to get the rings past the relief (without popping out and getting caught on it, so I put the gaps at about 3:00 and 9:00 o'clock.

Relieved Engines: Also, if you are installing pistons in a relieved engine, pay CLOSE attention to when the rings are going into the relief area - in many cases they'll get hung up a bit. I watch them carefully and use a wooden paint stir-stick to push them back (when sticking out and catching on the edge of the relief).

 

[Pete]

On relieved blocks, if you take the time to make a ring compressor that matches the relief, from a piece of sleeve material, you will never have problems getting the rings in.
If you make the relief the same on all of your engines, you only need one compressor.

 

[Mart]

People say it doesn't matter if you clock the rings, but I always do. If no relief I go 120 degrees apart. If there is a relief I clock above, below and opposite the relief. In other words if the relief is between 2 and 4 O'clock I put the gaps at 12, 6 and 9 O'clock.
Mart.

 

[Pete]

People say it doesn't matter if you clock the rings, but I always do. If no relief I go 120 degrees apart. If there is a relief I clock above, below and opposite the relief. In other words if the relief is between 2 and 4 O'clock I put the gaps at 12, 6 and 9 O'clock.
Mart.

The rings turn but it is recommended they not be installed with all the gaps lined up.

 

[21stud]

Usually you see descriptions on how to clock piston rings for install in " conventional engines" any gurus clock them a certain way for a flathead?

I'm far from guru but I allways clock them. No gaps to thrust side of piston.
and then about 120 deg apart. Yes they will turn some but no way to control this.