Difference between types of piston rings

[Andy69]

Two questions, basically

What is the difference between steel section and expander type piston rings

What is the difference between rings for steel pistons only, rings for aluminum pistons only, and rings for both aluminum and steel. I sometimes see a set of rings that says for steel only and another for aluminum only, but they will have the same part number.

I did some poking around and I found some info that rings for steel pistons were used with steel pistons when the cylinders had steel sleeves, which suggests the rings were actually for steel sleeves rather than steel pistons.

Any ideas?

 

[Brian]

Sorry, hadn't seen this post and have asked virtually same questions in new thread!

 

[flatheadmurre]

Ring grooves depth is different between steel and aluminum pistons.

 

[Step-down]

I've used steel three ring set on alum dome Pistons with no issues . Is that a no-no ....
I look on some of the ford motor company ring set box set I have and it states steel or alum...

That's confusing right ....

 

[Talkwrench]

^^^^

 

[Talkwrench]

Ring grooves depth is different between steel and aluminum pistons.

YES.

Bought Hastings rings through a vendor and had them check with Hastings to make sure of the diff between Ali and steel pistons , they said ok to use their rings on both..