Cylinder's 2,3,4 had the ring gaps stacked instead of staggered. Cylinder 1 was staggered and did not crack. No metal in oil at all the oil was very clean. Just curious if anyone knows if the rings can turn in the cylinder wall? I personally have never seen this on a Honda. The ring landing between #1 & #2 compression ring is cracked on the three pistons that had the ring gaps stacked. My only other possibility is that an idiot installed the rings incorrectly, but it ran fine for about 2000 miles. Sorry this is not the original motor it is a jdm F22, I know it is the same but it may be a problem with this version. Not sure what caused it but I am installing new pistons and rings 1/8/07. Just wanting someone with good Honda knowledge to explain. Also no Performance parts except short ram, full exhaust, and 255lph fuel pump. So basically still stock ride.

 

There are several reasons why ring lands can crack. Overheating, too much advance on the timing, low octane fuel/bad gas, contaminated oil.. on and on.

But breaking BETWEEN the 1st and 2nd rings is odd.

Since it was a JDM motor and was used to running 100 leaded fuel, the excessive lead buildup on the tops of the pistons can raise compression on an already decently high compression motor. Couple that with timing too advanced and 87 octane horse **** and you have a recipe for detonation.

Also, no telling how it got here from overseas and what garbage and dust might have found it's way in the cylinders before you ever got it. If it was run hot and/or at too hig of an rpm, it could do it too.

The ring gaps stacked like that though tells me that whoever did the **** poor job of putting that motor together the last time, might not have gapped the rings properly to begin with.