Ok i have the measurements for my rings and I need to know the best way to set the ring end gap. I know how to square them up in the cylinder and measure them with the feeler guage, but what's the best way to file them down?

 

Seriously?

A piston ring filer:

 

Well do you think i should shell out the $30-$35 for a piston ring filer and do it myself or have the machine shop do it for $40?

 

Do you want us to hold your hand when you start the engine too?

 

Just asking for an opinion . I wanna make sure I get it right so i don't destroy my engine because the rings aren't gapped squarely/properly.

Guess I got yours though. thanks alot for your input on this thread.

 

Honeslty, if youre asking this type of question, take your entire short block, unassembled to a shop and have them do it - ask to watch.

How is a shop going to file your rings without having it all there anyways - to do all 4 will cost you more than just $40...I wouldnt be surprised if that was per piston.

 

If you feel like you can do it, go for it. Use a filer as pdiggitydogg showed, i have the one like that. If you dont think your up to it then pay the shop, it'll save you down the road.

 

you can use a file

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hott95ej2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">you can use a file</TD></TR></TABLE>

But why? If you think that $35 is a bad investment to do it right, you should not be building motors.

 

It would be way too difficult/time consuming to use a file, too.
Theres a reason for inventing every tool.

 

Hell, if you have a rotary tool you can do it too. Just don't take off more than is needed!