Ring Clocking

[Aftermath]

I'm building a GEP Optima Diamond block and heads. I'm using Gapless rings.

I need to know how to clock the end gap of the rings on piston.

Thanks in advance

[JeepSJ]

What does the mfg of the rings recommend?

[JohnC]

Absent any manufacturer's recommendations, don't align them with the piston pin or with each other. With gapless rings it's less critical.

[Aftermath]

I've got 5 different opinions from 5 separate mechanics. Thanks guys, just making sure

[JohnC]

Installation instructions

[Aftermath]

Thanks JohnC, I talked to the guys at Total Seal, told them I had no instructions, and they told me something different than in their own instructions. ....hahaha....I think I got it. Thanks again!

[Robyn]

The way I have done the 6.2 and 6.5 for years with no issues and very little blowby (Better than even some new GM rigs I have owned.

Looking at the top of the piston with the Recardo bowl at the bottom where it belongs.

Top ring gap........ At the side opposite the Ricardo bowl. (Top of engine)

Second ring gap... At the same side as the Ricardo bowl

Oil ring center expander gap at side opposite Ricardo bowl
Oil ring scraper gaps at 4 and 8 oclock (Ricardo at 6 oclock)


GM SERVICE MANUAL SAYS THE FOLLOWING

TOP RING GAP AT SIDE OPPOSITE RICARDO BOWL
SECOND RING GAP AT SIDE OF RICARDO (180 DEGREES APART)
OIL CONTROL EXPANDER AT ABOUT 4 OCLOCK
OIL CONTROL RING GAP AT ABOUT 11 OCLOCK

Big deal is do not allow the top ring gap to be close to the Ricardo bowl.

You can vary the top ring gap from 11 to 1 oclock and the second ring gap from 5 to 7 oclock

I prefer to stagger the oil scrappers as mentioned.
Always keep the oil expander opposite the scrappers.




Another important thing... always chamfer the top of the cylinders about 45 degrees about 1/32 wide.

If the cyls have been bored do not leave the top edge of the cylinder sharp.

A nice beveled edge is far easier to get the rings past when tapping the piston in.

Good luck

[Aftermath]

The way I have done the 6.2 and 6.5 for years with no issues and very little blowby (Better than even some new GM rigs I have owned.

Looking at the top of the piston with the Recardo bowl at the bottom where it belongs.

Top ring gap........ At the side opposite the Ricardo bowl. (Top of engine)

Second ring gap... At the same side as the Ricardo bowl

Oil ring center expander gap at side opposite Ricardo bowl
Oil ring scraper gaps at 4 and 8 oclock (Ricardo at 6 oclock)


GM SERVICE MANUAL SAYS THE FOLLOWING

TOP RING GAP AT SIDE OPPOSITE RICARDO BOWL
SECOND RING GAP AT SIDE OF RICARDO (180 DEGREES APART)
OIL CONTROL EXPANDER AT ABOUT 4 OCLOCK
OIL CONTROL RING GAP AT ABOUT 11 OCLOCK

Big deal is do not allow the top ring gap to be close to the Ricardo bowl.

You can vary the top ring gap from 11 to 1 oclock and the second ring gap from 5 to 7 oclock

I prefer to stagger the oil scrappers as mentioned.
Always keep the oil expander opposite the scrappers.




Another important thing... always chamfer the top of the cylinders about 45 degrees about 1/32 wide.

If the cyls have been bored do not leave the top edge of the cylinder sharp.

A nice beveled edge is far easier to get the rings past when tapping the piston in.

Good luck

Okay, so I'm using gapless rings, and after much deliberation, I've decided to clock the rings accordingly:

Again, 2007 Optima with squirters

Looking at the top of the piston, Ricardo Bowl at the bottom

Top Ring: 10 o'clock
Gapless : 6 o'clock
Bottom: 2 o'clock

Please let me know your thoughts

Thanks,

Chris