Piston Rings 1989 85HP

[Tim Wagner]

Ive looked and it really doesnt seem that anyone was dumb enough to actually BREAK both of the included rings from their new Vertex Piston.
V2910 (0.010 oversized)
The folks I purchased it from are going to send me a new set of rings and thats cool.
But I have to ask if anyone has been down this road with their new pistons?
Ive used Wiseco's and their rings are thinner and made from a different material than theses rings.
The Vertex's are thicker ....... and pretty freekin brittle!! It seems like tool steel.
Did I do something wrong here??
I mean, I approached the installation from the top. (shortest distance to point A)
You have to put a little stress on them to get them in there.
I actually got the first one on, the broke the second one. (it broke in 3 pieces).
I wanted to measure the end gap but first I just slid the piston in the cylinder to see if it actually fit (it did)
Then I went to remove the ring and it too broke in two.
WTF??
Its not giving me much confidence in the durability of this piston/ring design.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Piston Rings 1989 85HP

I take it you did not use a piston ring expander!

Typically, rings are very hard and will not tolerate too much expansion or twisting. Yeah! it is easy to break them.

I have also seen the stock Chrysler and Force semi-keystone top rings break for no apparent reason while running. The second flat rings don't seem to break.

 

[Tim Wagner]

Re: Piston Rings 1989 85HP

Huh, A piston ring expander??!!! Ill be go to he##!!!!
Gee, Mr. Obvious. I never made the connection.
I couldnt be more surprised if I woke up in the morning with my head sewn to the carpet!!
Sheesh, theres a slick little tool for everything!!
Thanks for the info.
Ill go borrow one so I dont repeat my blunder.

 

[fab9racing]

Re: Piston Rings 1989 85HP

while the ring expander is nice, and the best way to do the job, however i have been using the ole roll method for 40yrs

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Piston Rings 1989 85HP

Sounds like you need to check the end gap FIRST!!
If you break them then they might be the wrong stuff.

I have rebuilt lots of Forces and have never broke rings trying to put them in,out is a different story.
Good luck,J