Just assembling my new engine... pulled out the Hastings Ring set

Instructions say

"Install Four Piece Oil Rings with Inner Spring in bottom of groove and steel spacer between the two steel rails"

Hmmmm, ok ...well I've done that ....
(The Pic shows from top to bottom... Steel Rail, Steel rail, Spacer, Spring)




Now it doesnt seem to want to compress .... that bottom ring is solid, a little bit of give, but my (well used and very reliable) Ring compressor just refused to go any tighter - still with about 0.080" to go on diameter . . .

Ok, Anyone used these rings ? - I've never seen them before !
Little help Please ?

J

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That is the normal ring setup, what sort of compressor do you have?
Mine is a Meco and I had no probs with a similar type ringset, on the 73mm pistons.
But, they have to be done up tight as.....
Did they put a little chamfer around the top of bores? If not do it with a die grinder, or file carefully!

People that fit these things all the time (like GR) use a but of heavy wall pipe bored to exact size, with a tapered entry. I got one but it's a bit BIG (fits my old 115HP Evinrude..3.5" bore)

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Cant remember the brand, but I used it for assembling BB Chev engines, Holden V8's and a few Holden 6's as well as 2 Mini engines ....

I've only ever seen 3-piece bottom rings....

So you reckon just tighten another three or four clicks and pray ....

Yea, Chamfer at the top of the bore....
Litte concerned about the 0.005" pop-up though ! - has changed my Compression ratio calcs a little .... I'm now back up to 7.8:1 ....

J

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That's BETTER than my Meco!
Oil everything, tighten as far as it'll go.
Tap top edge down to make sure no gaps under.
hold down and give good tap with a big screwdriver's handle or hammer handle etc.
Oil rings are the hardest. If no go in, remove and try again.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

3 attempts now ....(very lightly.. I've broken rings before !!)

using Nulon Pressure Lube (Engine Assembly lube) and engine oil as lube ...

Just cant tighten it any further ....

I'll try a longer bar on the "tightener-thingo" ....(yea, Me Is an Engineer!)

J

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Haha i'm watching with interest

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Starlet Conversion:
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15484

Those oil ring rails are steel, you won't break them. Just don't bend them by forcing...

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Those type of ring compressors are a bugger on mini pistons. Because they are made for much bigger pistons when you try to tighten them onto smaller pistons there is too much friction inside the compressor to allow it to compress the rings enough.

Try tightening up the compressor and them wiggle the piston a bit and you may find you can do it up some more

You may be better off with a hose clamp and some very thin steel (like a piece of the ring compressor)

Mick you are probably right, my one is similar design, but lots smaller diameter.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Ok, Slug Number 1 is in ....
(and magically my previously measured 0.005" pop-up is now about 0.003" below the deck - yay! - we're spot on again!!)



yay! -3 more to beer time... !! (think it might be time for some Talisker...)

J

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i used an old coke can and a couple of bits of steel wire to compress the rings on my 250cc twin 2 stroke motorcycle engine

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the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page
66 Mini Minor sponsored by http://www.lifeonthehedge.com.au/ The Dog Harness Specialists
It was a pleasure ausmini. I'll miss all you misfits and reprobates

It is done .... Bottom end assembled ... Hopefully finish tomorrow and then onto the gearbox !

The secret was a combination of things....
the oil ring was getting stuck on my cut-out for my exhaust valves - so made sure the end of the oil-control ring was not near the cutout - easy

Tighten the ring-compressor an extra notch once in the bore

Tap all around to ensure its flat

Make sure you gash your left thumb (any exposed body-part will do) the Car Gods need a Blood sacrifice once in a while....





(The DrMini inspired bottom end - Unbrako Socket-head Capscrews, Loctite and Torque ...)


Bastard, 1 1/2 hours to fit the first piston.. 30 mins to do the rest ....

Thanks all
J

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