45 years ago I put new rings in my 500cc single cylinder AJS. That night I went for a ride along Gilchrist Ave Herston (way before the Inner City Bypass was constructed). It was a cool night and I gave it a bit of throttle and within 15 seconds the motor started going slower and slower. I declutched and the motor immediately stopped. The motor was seized. Could not turn it over. After about 5 minutes it unseized and I could turn it over but it was still 'firm' in the turning. I waited until it spun freely and gently rode it home. The next day I took the head and cylinder off and filed the rings down (I don't remember how much). I reassembled the motor and did not have a problem after that. Yes, ring gap is important.
@funv31882 жыл бұрын
Cool story 👍
@yogi2.0576 жыл бұрын
Spot-on Matt. The importance of having the correct ring gap is indeed critical for smooth running pistons along with having rings gaps opposed 180 degrees.
@14959787075 жыл бұрын
My two stroke has pins that register in the ring gap to keep the rings in a specific orientation, and they are less than 90 degrees apart, but I’m pretty sure that this is because of the porting. Wouldn’t want the gap to be hitting port edges
@needmoreboost63698 ай бұрын
@@1495978707that’s why exactly! it’s the port’s! On a 4 stroke though it’s not nearly as important,a lot of engines they actually rotate! But typically face the gap’s away off the load side and away from the exhaust valve as that being a hotter area is usually the start point of pre ignition in most engines!
@michaelxdrift2 жыл бұрын
I didn't understand why ring gaps were so important when it comes to engines, now it's all too clear. Thank you my friend.
@arose4606 жыл бұрын
I enjoy how simple yet in-depth you go into the topic.
@Halo2prime6 жыл бұрын
Excellent video! I've seen rings pop the tops of pistons off, from having the gaps close up. This is important stuff.
@eliancamilo91023 жыл бұрын
sorry to be so offtopic but does anybody know a trick to get back into an instagram account? I stupidly lost the password. I would love any tricks you can give me
@jaggertadeo72763 жыл бұрын
@Elian Camilo Instablaster ;)
@eliancamilo91023 жыл бұрын
@Jagger Tadeo thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff now. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
@eliancamilo91023 жыл бұрын
@Jagger Tadeo it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much you saved my account :D
@jaggertadeo72763 жыл бұрын
@Elian Camilo glad I could help xD
@footballCartoon914 жыл бұрын
I dont know whether you are an engineer or not but i love how you explain this topic
@hellishgrin46044 жыл бұрын
Mind the gap! I just replace them with rubber O-rings! Makes a nice suctiony “pop” when they’re removed!
@stihlhead13 жыл бұрын
In depth and easy to understand. Bravo sir!
@Joe30pack6 жыл бұрын
Another sub by power of the AvE wave. Congrats on the shout out, it'll be huge.
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
Cheers dude and welcome to the channel
@clydeperrine29596 жыл бұрын
AvE sent me too. I see why now. Good stuff to know when working with piston and rings. Ya always "mind your gaps", the old timers would say. You just expertly explained why.
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
Welcome to the channel dude
@thomasphilyaw85937 жыл бұрын
Funny how you linked Eric the Car Guy. He's great info for cars and you're the best motorcycle "scientist" out there. Addicted to your videos. Been trying to get through all of them past couple of days...not working, too many. I'll keep trying though!
@Wafftop5 жыл бұрын
Yet another great video that answered a question I didnt even think of asking.
@MrMarkguth3 жыл бұрын
Same, and I’m fitting rings to some slugs tomorrow, I honestly never thought about it, I’m embarrassed
@gregorycraig16386 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this great video. Your info is consistent with what I’ve read. New pistons, rings and HD wrist pins for my 98 Cobra will be here today!
@justanothercanuckian6 жыл бұрын
4th battalion of the AvE Army reporting for duty!
@rockyfosgate4 жыл бұрын
Glad I found this channel. Excellent mate 👍
@harveysmith1006 жыл бұрын
New here. Really enjoyed that simply, clear explanation. It seems so obvious once you know!
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
Welcome to the channel dude
@deepaksinghkanyal71413 жыл бұрын
You have clear conceptual knowledge
@amirkarimi64964 жыл бұрын
Short and VERY useful. Thanks mate!
@chrishartley12107 жыл бұрын
Nice explanation Matt, it reminded me of chatting to Steve Patrickson in the paddock at Donington after his bike seized in practice on the run down to Redgate, must be over 25 years ago. The weather was a little hotter than predicted and the rings grabbed. In his situation that last ounce of power on a 125 was of paramount importance but of course the gap wasn't too far out to cause any lasting damage. That was the first time I'd heard of ring grab and it explained what had happened to me a couple of times in hot weather a few years before.
@dirtygarageguy7 жыл бұрын
Very true and great comment, video added to the list - 'ring grab, when a woman keeps your wallet for life' lol
@raybell4095 Жыл бұрын
@@dirtygarageguy Still waiting on this video! lol
@dirtygarageguy Жыл бұрын
Keep waiting, this isn't a service.
@raybell4095 Жыл бұрын
@@dirtygarageguy Never thought it was! Good video by the way. made me recheck my ring gap on the motor I'm about to put the the cylinders on.
@chrishartley1210 Жыл бұрын
@@dirtygarageguy Really? I thought the service came as part of the ring grab.
@hardwurkindaddy6 жыл бұрын
Avoid the headache, use Totalseal rings.
@Grechieman2 жыл бұрын
this made an insane amount of sense, thank you
@dannytharrington2773 жыл бұрын
Excellent explanation ! well done
@TheRebelOne.6 жыл бұрын
Excellent presentation, thankyou. ✔
@Mr_CMH6 жыл бұрын
A proper informative video, thank you. And not one mention of Delboy.
@4570finn Жыл бұрын
Excellent video, thank you
@terrymackenzie2835 жыл бұрын
New subscriber, great channel, loads of great content, keep up the great work Matt 👍
@dirtygarageguy5 жыл бұрын
welcome to the channel dude
@dooleydooley47426 жыл бұрын
After reading the comments, and seeing this vid, you've gained another sub. ( AvE didnt send me, you showed in my recommended) good day!
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
Welcome to the channel dude
@CaptainCandycorn6 жыл бұрын
AvE sent me 10 seconds ago
@soundararajan20902 жыл бұрын
Sir" super explanation... thanks
@ciaremfe4 жыл бұрын
My advice as an amateur 2 stroke mechanic...always use original items..if you go aftermarket just choose expensive brandts and good quality products..NEVER use cheap aftermarket products...the little amount of money you will save in that case you ll need it (and much more)to repair the damage that will be done...i never had problems with original parts and i never measure gaps ...trust me
@yordyiam6 жыл бұрын
Interesting video, another engineering mystery is brought to light and tamed!!
@poopybuttcheeks6 жыл бұрын
AvE sent me. Love the show so far!
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
Welcome to the channel dude
@luisjesusmartinez10303 жыл бұрын
Fantastic , very clear, new follower.
@scottmason22453 жыл бұрын
Well I just learned why my originality non turboed engine is now in the machine shop after I turboed it.
@johnwilliams64072 жыл бұрын
Thank you very good explanation 😊 thank you
@saleemkader21263 жыл бұрын
Thank God and you for your video.
@tomashton72087 жыл бұрын
cross hatch will make the rings rotate,(not Much but they do move around) unless they are pinned, ring gaps are very important, the second ring on a four stroke, can be a gapless design.
@Javierm0n06 жыл бұрын
Thanks for explaining ring gaps what for I go and destroy an engine thinking I got it under control. 😆
@JCcanU6 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the help , I just got new pistons and rings took my pistons and jugs to be bore 10th over size the Bore is 3 inch and 510th the ring gap was 22th but by the math the ring gap should be 16th or 17th but S&S pree set the gap for the chrome moly at 22th spec sheet has 18th to 22th , the piston to bore is 2.5th clearance , Ring 2 is cast iron has a gap of 28th and that has me worried S&S has the gap between 18 and 24 thousands , the oiler ring gap is at 35th but can go to 40th , I was thinking to big of a gap and you get blow by , But test have been done and even a ring gap of 1/4 inch did not change engine performance or burn oil . The test was done by Chevy on the V6 and V8 , not a Harley Davidson .
@jediknight12943 жыл бұрын
Did you change the gap or go with S&S spec and if you altered the gap did you see any issues compared to standard spec?
@JCcanU3 жыл бұрын
@@jediknight1294 Yes I went with the S&S rings that been pree set and 2000 miles I was getting blow by ordered a new set 20 over did a quick hone on the jugs , cut the gap 18 top ring 18 second ring the oil ring was 26th so left it be. been good 5000 miles no blow by or leak down
@mandraxfilostein4 жыл бұрын
Holy shit I just got schooled on piston rings.
@ocam988able3 жыл бұрын
Great explanation!!
@youtubasoarus6 жыл бұрын
AVE subs inbound... you've got a new sub :) And more incoming I suspect. Great video! :)
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
Welcome to the channel dude
@youtubasoarus6 жыл бұрын
Thank you good sir! :) Great descriptions and everything. I remember gapping my rings the one time i've done it. Didn't understand why but did it anyway and then clocked them, you explained it perfectly!
@inotcakaj99935 жыл бұрын
Valuable info!love the accent
@killving6 жыл бұрын
And if you ad turbo, supercharger or NOS. Increase the gap from standard spec. if you don't it can and will do all the tings you said and might break of the piston crown
@jcs63476 жыл бұрын
AvE suggested I come over and check you out. Who are you talking too? It was a very good and thorough explanation. I subscribed and looking for more good, solid content like this. Thanks, Joe
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
"Who are you talking too?" - LOL I'm not very good at this presenting thing - well at least not at a camera - but I'm getting better - this is at least 6 months old. But anyroad - welcome to the channel dude
@randywright43102 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much
@abdulmalikonimisi3174 Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@Wooley6895 жыл бұрын
Craig, Blue and Paul sent me.
@bigdirtygaming64294 жыл бұрын
I'm a little pissed off that AvE didnt send me... but i stumbled here anyway so fuck it.
@xtra12344 жыл бұрын
We have to related somewhere down the line.
@rahulgharat8733 жыл бұрын
I've one question temp is required for expansion of piston ring but at starting of engine temp is very low so rings will not expand and joinds are not attached one end to other end so small gap will be present at initial so the mixture will not compressed properly right? Plzz reply
@psmith13495 жыл бұрын
Had to take an inch off of the top oil ring so it would fit into the already honed cylinder. Piston was out of spec and oil groove wasn't deep enough. After buying pistons and rings twice, can't afford this anymore. Tried to make lemonade from a lemon. Best I could do given the situation. What might I expect with one of the four rings having that much of an end gap. Just a shade tree mechanic I am. And poor as hell to boot.
@thetinkerer57636 жыл бұрын
AvE sent me!!! and I subbed
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
Welcome to the channel dude
@tommyescobia83816 жыл бұрын
Need some advice. I have a single cylinder thumper motor in my bike. It had a transmission issue. I removed the engine from the frame repaired the tranny issue and then put the motor back together. No compression. Don’t understand why, never messed with the piston. Replaced all gaskets. Torqued to specs. Still no compression. Got new gaskets again, did an inspection on the head and valves. Finally did a lap job on valves. Checked the valve guides, seats, seals and valves. All are on. Bike only has 3000 miles on it. But it ran perfectly aside of he tranny issue. So, back in the motor with brand new piston rings. Still no compression. Double checked the clocking and directions of the gaps. Checked ring gaps and thickness. These are NOS parts by the way. New Or Stock parts. I need @140psi and I’m only getting @45psi. I also did leak down test and I can hear air hissing in the crank case, evidently getting past the piston rings. The valves are sealed tight. Again, the rings are brand new from the manufacturer, clocked correct, directional, gaps are good, applied assembly oil, followed the specs. Still getting blow by. Anyone got any advice.?
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
1) - what engine is this from? 2) - this is with the valves closed? - I know this sounds stupid but I need to ask 3) 2 troke or 4 stroke?
@tommyescobia83816 жыл бұрын
The Workshop This is on a 2003 Buell blast. 500cc. 4stroke Most people would say, just toss this crap bike, but I actually like these bikes and have five of them, well, two now. I sold one, kept two and gave two away to my step sons. Also with 4 other Buells. XB9R, xb12r, M2 cyclone and 1125r. Anyhow, yes, this is with the valves closed. I put the rocker box back on and was struggling on keeping the valves closed while locating TDC, and then compressing the cylinder with compressed air. I had it in 3rd gear to help prevent the rotation of the engine, but still there’s engine movement. So, instead of installing the rocker box, I just left it off. Valves are now 100% sealed off. Did a compression check again, 45psi. Added compressed air and heard no air from the intake or exhaust. But instead, I hear air hissing from the primary when I removed the timing window screw. Again, new rings, gapped within specs. Between .007-.020. Actual is .014. Max before OS is .035. I’m still getting blow by and when starting with compression Check gauge, it’s showing 45psi. I even double checked the compression gauge tool by testing it on the M2 cyclone, which gave a reading of 140psi.
@erienwhite6 жыл бұрын
Tommy Escobia. Is the intake to the head fully open and the throttle open. Insufficient air in could keep you from reaching full compression.
@JCcanU6 жыл бұрын
I had a Honda SL 70 as a kid the trans had a drive chain to the cam if the dot on the timing was not set right the cam opened the valves timing was way off . Handa had trans fail on the 1970 SL 70 they would give you a trans kit all gears seals free , if they did the work it was 45 a hour , I had a paper rout lucky to make 30 bucks a week , so I got my dad to help me rebuild it took 4 tries to get the cam right .
@joshuaharrison93313 жыл бұрын
So the second ring doesn't seal much cause its not pushed out much from the combustion pressures?
@buddyboy19535 жыл бұрын
Excellent video, yours is the best I have seen on KZfaq thanks for the video !!!
@dirtygarageguy5 жыл бұрын
cheers dude
@shadowfirekarp6 жыл бұрын
AvE said u was skookum. I agree.
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
Welcome to the channel dude - loads more video to laugh at
@philno7 жыл бұрын
im beginning to wonder if you ever sleep matt.. iv lost count of your uploads in the past 24 hrs :-)
@dirtygarageguy7 жыл бұрын
The secret is 100ml petrol mixed with 50ml of methanol, swallow it whole with about 1/2 kilo of cocaine and you never have to sleep again lol
@philno7 жыл бұрын
the two to one ratio of "pethanol" i can handle... the half a weight of coke..... not anymore :-D
@unixhaj4 жыл бұрын
Actually I've never really bothered to measure it on my bikes. I should but I've not actually replaced any rings yet. Also I'd think most heat from the piston is removed by the incoming air/gas mixture. Thanks for this and your other videos :)
@dirtygarageguy4 жыл бұрын
"Also I'd think most heat from the piston is removed by the incoming air/gas mixture." - And goes where? It doesn't disappear...
@tomashton72087 жыл бұрын
My 250 Suzuki atv rings wore out, the top ring is a barrel faced ring and the second one is a tapered, I broke the new second ring during installation, and put the old one back , upside down (heck if I know) with new oil control rings and it runs just fine the old top ring was 0035 and the new one measured out at 0015, the used second ring was around 0023, I run a soft hone on the sleeve and hand polished it with 600 wet dry paper, guess what no more smoke, besides the top ring is the one that holds compression, and the second is just a scraper, and I figure if it lubes more oil the better off the cooling. we will see what happens after 500 miles.
@masterofnone6 жыл бұрын
AvE Sent me here. Heloooo!
@tylerleblanc44936 жыл бұрын
makes two of us
@ZealofSparta6 жыл бұрын
Cody's Lab sent me to AvE (which KZfaq apperently buried in my subs for a long time.) and AvE sent me here. I love good channel references.
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
Welcome to the channel dude
@jasa_m79906 жыл бұрын
Came from AvE. Great video! Seems obvious, but someone had to point it out to me! =D
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
Welcome to the channel dude
@abandaojong71623 жыл бұрын
I love this to no much about this so I can get connected with you guys
@makataamos86172 жыл бұрын
good learning lesson
@DustinGould6 жыл бұрын
drinking game ::: Drink every time he says ring gap ---- i cant keep up lol
@Nash08ful4 жыл бұрын
Great Video !
@chickenfoundation93233 жыл бұрын
Would ceramic coating the pistons affect ring gap?
@whogivesacrap842 жыл бұрын
Yes, it does, like a hypereutectic piston its reflecting heat, that means a little more heat put on that ring. I would recommend a couple more thou in gap
@Nomatternow3 жыл бұрын
Is minimum gap too risky due to heating? Should max gap be used? Re-ringing an old Chevy 235-6 low HP engine by modern standards. Well presented topic! 👍
@dirtygarageguy3 жыл бұрын
For reliability in between max and min is a good place to start
@Nomatternow3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@aterack8337 жыл бұрын
i'm going to link a video here of what happens is you don't gap the rings larger on a nitrous boosted engine, it should be pretty easy for people to make the conclusion that having to gap bigger because of more heat is the same as not gaping enough for normal heat
@ezepeter8718 Жыл бұрын
so educational
@phelanpawly25072 жыл бұрын
Always went by an ancient prophecy by a long passed ancient assembler. .004 per inch of cylinder diameter unless otherwise stated or forced induction in which case multiply .004 by the number of sockets in an Aldi toolkit 🤪. Ps. First bit is correct and never failed me.
@craigthompson17944 жыл бұрын
I build bike engines and that's perfectly explained .
@I_leave_mean_comments6 жыл бұрын
Hi, long time listener, first time caller... I have a Ducati Desmosidici, and I was messing around with it, and my ring gaps looked too small... so I took a Dremel to them to open them up a bit... you know, let them breathe some. My question is... what part of Australia are you from? Also, subscribed.
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
Down under - so down under I'm from yorkshire - that's pronounced York-SHa LOL
@dukedawolf41756 жыл бұрын
This would have been nice to see about a week ago
@TheBizzerk20016 жыл бұрын
The AvE army has arrived
@Justiceinabarrel6 жыл бұрын
set the top ring and second ring 180 from each other also
@nuclearwinter213 жыл бұрын
I have done that. The result is lovely. 💚
@plbyrne6 жыл бұрын
AVE victim here in NZ
@scroogehowsshehandle2 жыл бұрын
Good to know
@madpelotthe2nd634 жыл бұрын
Thanks I needed this
@sp00fman16 жыл бұрын
AvE made me sub
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
Did he? Didn't realise he had your family hostage - told him to stop that. Anyroad, welcome to the channel dude
@rockabillyrebel92076 жыл бұрын
Ave sent me !
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
Welcome dude
@Lemonas2443 жыл бұрын
thanks, i would have never known this. U just blew my dumb mind. again..........
@exidous68314 жыл бұрын
My rings are specced at .006" per inch of bore. My bore is 4.125" which comes to a minimum of .0165" gap. The rings are sitting in the bore with .023" gap. Sure I'll loose a little power but my motor won't snap a ring land like it did last time from base factory spec.
@dirtygarageguy4 жыл бұрын
if you're snapping ring lands with the OEM spec then obviously you've changed something - but what?
@exidous68314 жыл бұрын
@@dirtygarageguy That's easy. Fuel slosh from a tank that was just a bit too low.
@axelriet3 жыл бұрын
4.125 x 0.006 is 0.025. The 0.23 gap you measured is 0.056 times the diameter, and is thus *less* that your minimum spec.
@SebastianHalskov6 жыл бұрын
Ave Sent me, nice information, good to know.
@samiant51996 жыл бұрын
AVE sent me
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
Welcome dude - but where's the video?
@samiant51996 жыл бұрын
Its out in a week I spend what little student money on his amazing patron page
@bezig57796 жыл бұрын
The Workshop its out now
@vainparasite6 жыл бұрын
Joking aside....i havent joked on this video yet tho.... Anyway im more a cut it hit it grind it weld it bloke being a commercial vehicle bodybuilder by trade so i didnt know about this so ive learned summat 🖒🖒
@matowixunplugged79276 жыл бұрын
It surprises me that these oil rings and the holes under them that return the oil back inside the piston don't clog. Wouldn't they block once the oil gets old and oil changes aren't done regularly.
@taiwooyeyemi31386 жыл бұрын
hi i have this issue of starting my car it hard for it to move until 5 mins of run and hot in engine before gaining pressure to move can any one advice on what to do ,it a honda accord engine 1999 model
@iraqresitance96633 жыл бұрын
Hello from iraq well done thank you
@ashishshah95317 жыл бұрын
the power of knowledge
@krisztianromer4332 жыл бұрын
I think this may be my problem. My 70cc 2stroke just lost all compression and started making a weird sound I think the ring failed
@ZPositive6 жыл бұрын
Here because of AvE. I likey!
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
Welcome one and all LOL
@jameshester38313 жыл бұрын
As a rule it is .004 thousands for every inch of bore
@dirtygarageguy3 жыл бұрын
That was along time ago and is now out of date
@RealMonstarz3 жыл бұрын
i have a sr20ve engine an only when i rev the engine pass 6000rpm it pump's white oil smelling smoke from the exhust...could dis be faulty rings or gap //the gap it 0.022....is dat good for the sr20ve.???
@dirtygarageguy3 жыл бұрын
White? Coolant leak. Your head gasket might be leaking or cylinder is cracked
@RealMonstarz3 жыл бұрын
@@dirtygarageguy more like oil residue iin the exhaust valve ports only in #4 cylinder.. ..rite now engine is scrap out ...
@xDrDeath78x6 жыл бұрын
Are you teaching a class and are being recorded by a student? Oh and AvE sent me
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
I'm just retarded LOL old video.........
@abednkrumah47665 жыл бұрын
can we create what's app group so that we can discuss more on Automotive engineering+264816880752
@andrewdevereux55134 жыл бұрын
Hi matt been watching your videos for a while Now, keep it it buddy Maybe a video idea Is supermarket fuel inferior to other major brands And. What are. Your thoughts on ktms 3 stroke, They are developing.
@dirtygarageguy4 жыл бұрын
3 stroke?
@andrewdevereux55134 жыл бұрын
@@dirtygarageguy yes i said exactly the same when i heard it.
@jaysongalang92915 жыл бұрын
Thanks brother
@patjakker67306 жыл бұрын
Here's a thing that i didn't (and still don't) understand: If you run a 2stroke there is a fresh mixture above and underneath the piston and little (piston ring) gap especially when cold. What preventing the "flame" from traveling through?
@dirtygarageguy6 жыл бұрын
Nothing, but its a choke point. This is why you have a large cone around you're spark plug. Flame fronts combust and release heat, this in turn heats the fuel/air ahead of it. The tiny ring gap and the rings themselves absorb this heat and the flame front is killed off. Great question. Video coming soon.
@patjakker67306 жыл бұрын
THX for the (quick) reply, so it's that simple ?! I knew there had to be something otherwise every 2stroke ever build would have exploded at first start ;) Didn't expect this answer, always thought that an ignited fuel-air mixture was unstoppable (behaving gunpowder like) BTW it's an very old question that I had examining the piston of my first moped, witch was black underneath the top ring (yes it had 2) about 30 years ago!
@HarleyN933 жыл бұрын
is there any truth to the theory that if your engine is a bit tired and using more oil than usual between services you should up the weight say from 5w30 to 5w40 providing both have the same spec i know its now weight but hopefully you get what i mean
@dirtygarageguy3 жыл бұрын
No. Weight is an Americanism that should be banned lol as engines wear the clearance increase. This means a steady drop over time in oil pressure. Using thicker oil doesn't help this in any way.
@HarleyN933 жыл бұрын
@@dirtygarageguy so it wouldnt help the oil burning issue then? full rebuild the best way forward price depending?
@paulomoniz73265 жыл бұрын
Hey do some videos about the screaming eagle Harley Davidson Kits please.