Is there a best piston ring position for a 312 Y block? I have never installed rings in this old of a engine. The shop that honed the block did not know if these older engines ran best at a different ring position than later engines. Would like to know the best position for top, bottom, top oil, middle oil and bottom oil.
Piston Ring position?
- Thread starter cjc56
- Start date
Ole Don
Well-known member
The bottom one is usually three piece. The expander can be anywhere, the bottom scrapper at ten o clock, the top scrapper at two to three o clock. The second ring anywhere except the bottom, and the top ring 180 degrees from the second. The head gaskets say front, one will appear upside down, thats OK. There are three lengths on the bolts. The long ones go on the top row on the ends. Clean the threads and the holes. Oil the threads and under the head of the bolts. Read the instructions that come with the gasket set. If you have an early model 312, you may have some holes to drill. Not a big deal if you have to. Start small, then go to the bigger bit.
TedEaton
Senior Member
As Don mentions, simply space the top and second ring end gaps 180° apart from each other. Rings typically rotate in the bores and it's not unusual for the top and 2nd ring gaps to align with each other and stay that way. This can be observed on engines when doing the tear downs.
Before installing the rings, always debur the ring ends with a small file so that any potential sharp edges or burrs there do not scratch the cylinder walls. The oil ring rails also need this done to them as they are even bigger culprits on ring end burrs than are the top and second rings.
Before installing the rings, always debur the ring ends with a small file so that any potential sharp edges or burrs there do not scratch the cylinder walls. The oil ring rails also need this done to them as they are even bigger culprits on ring end burrs than are the top and second rings.
