Pistons #1 and #4 lodged on reinstall

[chuck hahn]

Be sure the ends of the wavy rings are setting perfectly together and not overlapped....then put on the two thin rings.

[wymple]

I always make sure the rings will compress far enough into the grooves to begin with. Manufacturing mistakes happen and I've seen it 2 or 3 times in my years. I've had to cut bit off the expansion rings under the oil rings because they would not compress to a small enough diameter. Most recently on my AMC Javelin 401, once that I recall on a 2 stroke bike, as well. I've had piston grooves on new slugs that were not milled deep enough.

[redfenix]

Be sure the ends of the wavy rings are setting perfectly together and not overlapped....then put on the two thin rings.

I did put on the thin rings after the wavy ring, but maybe I should have inspected it more closely? I'll definitely do that this time around.

[redfenix]

I always make sure the rings will compress far enough into the grooves to begin with. Manufacturing mistakes happen and I've seen it 2 or 3 times in my years. I've had to cut bit off the expansion rings under the oil rings because they would not compress to a small enough diameter. Most recently on my AMC Javelin 401, once that I recall on a 2 stroke bike, as well. I've had piston grooves on new slugs that were not milled deep enough.

Good tip, thanks. I'll definitely check that on each piston before installing this time.