Karl, typically all the rings in an engine have what is called "End Gap
Clearance" or a properly specified space at the rings ends. This space
will open some or close some depending on the temperature of the engine,
but at normal operating temperatures it should maintain a fairly
consistent spacing.

To check the end gap clearance, each ring should be placed in the
cylinder barrel, and using a piston to properly set the depth, the ring
should be pushed in to its normal position when the piston would be at
top dead center. Once the ring is seated properly, you can use a feeler
gage to check the gap between ends. If the gap is to tight, it can be
opened up by mounting a flat bastard file in a vice, then with the ring
in the hands, the ring ends are pressed together to the contact the file
and the ring is pulled up the file length. This procedure will keep the
ring ends reasonably square. Drag it once, check the end gap. If not
correct, repeat. Dragging only once, again, until the end gap is
correct. In spite of modern production methods, I suggest you do this
before assembling the engine, just to be sure the rings end gap is
correct. Mistakes have be made, and rings that have not been checked
exposed you to unforeseen disasters.

Good Luck.

John Rodgers,
88 GL Driver

Karl Wolz wrote:
>
> Hello all,
>
> Man, am I feeling like a rookie, but a dumb question is better than a dumb
> mistake, right?
>
> I just fitted the oil ring (3 pieces) and it seems rather loose (in
> circumference).  Does it tighten around the piston when it's compressed?  It
> almost seems that it's going to have to scrunch up a bit, since the ends of
> the center portion (forgot what it's called) are butted up against each
> other.
>
> I don't want to compress it till I know for sure I haven't maybe been given
> rings for a Borgwart or ?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Karl Wolz