Wise to remove piston rings to check wear?

**Tue Jan 14, 2014 8:13 pm » Post: #1 » Download Post**

Is it wise to remove the piston rings to check their wear? I fear they are no longer round once I have removed them.

**Wed Jan 15, 2014 4:08 am » Post: #2 » Download Post**

Are you worried the ring gap is getting too big, or the bore too big?

Either way, rings are cheap(ish) and a new set is good insurance while you have it apart.

Getting a ring off is no worse than getting it on in the first place imho.

**Wed Jan 15, 2014 7:50 am » Post: #3 » Download Post**

greggo wrote:Are you worried the ring gap is getting too big, or the bore too big?

Either way, rings are cheap(ish) and a new set is good insurance while you have it apart.

Getting a ring off is no worse than getting it on in the first place imho.

Agreed:
but if you do need to remove the rings to re-use then use a thin 'feeler gauge' blade to slide under the ring and move it around the piston lifting the ring from the groove without bending and possibly snapping it.

Mike
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