Piston Ring Install Question
 

I just got my block, crank... back from the machine shop. The first thing I need to do (after cleaning) is to file the rings to the correct end gap. Before I started filing, I figured I'd check the ring to piston side clearance (slide the ring into the piston groove & measure the gap between the ring and the piston). The specs on both the rings and the pistons calls for a gap from .0015 to .003. I have no gap whatsoever. I rebuilt several engines back in the bad old days, but they were pretty much stock rebuilds & to be honest, I probably didn't know that I was supposed to measure the side clearance. The rings are Total-Seal part number CR3690-35. The specs on the box say 4.035 bore, 1/16 (top ring thickness) 1/16 second ring.... The pistons are SRP forged aluminum part number 206061 & have measurements on the spec sheet for the ring grooves. It also says 1/16, 1/16... My question is (& I think I already know the answer) do I have the wrong rings? It's pretty cold in the garage, do y'all think if it was warmer, I'd have the correct gap?

Rick

Are the pistons new? If they are I'd say you have the wrong rings, If not they could have carbon build up in the ring grooves.

What gap are you measuring between the piston and the ring? If it is end gap, you shouldn't be measuring it on the piston. End gap is measured with the ring placed in the bore of the cylinder it's going in to at a particular depth (should be spec'd in the ring instructions)...
Do the rings fit into the grooves on the piston?

Try installing the feeler and ring at the same time to finde the right gap. If the ring is wavy you won't get a measuring device in the gap.

Mike