forth ring ?????

[john mullen]

I think things are off track hear. I already had the 4 ring pistons and was wondering if the 4 th ring could be left off to lesen the friction thus less heat I could have thrown these pistons in the treash but why! they were new so im using them. the guestion has gotton of track and sounds like a battle over 3 or 4 ring piston /which is best . However now I think I'm convenced that if it was made for 4 then 4 it is. Besides the 4 ring pistons are 1/2 that of a 3 ring forged set .Its a stocker and I don't see the need for forged pistons... I however have enjoyed the debate ....thank,s johnrodz

 

[Mart]

Millions of people have driven billions of miles on 4 ring pistons, unless you know the rings are a modern design, probably better to just use em as was intended. It will certainly not do any harm.

Modern engines employ hundreds of tricks to improve efficiency, ring design and number being only one. Leaving one ring out per piston will not transform the old flatty into a super mileage maker.

Mart.