[ReelFun]

I was working on my engine a while back and was gapping the rings.The stone on the ring file broke and I wasn't able to finish. Anyway, I am back on it now. The problem is, I removed all the rings from the bag and left them in the bore after filing them. Now I can't remember which ring is the top and which is the bottom. They are Total Seal High Performance File to Fit rings. I think the top ring has a dot and the 2nd ring has the bore size number on it. Can any of you experienced builders tell me if that is right or do I have it backwards?

[lust4speed]

Only thing I'd trust is looking at the composition of the rings. The Moly top ring is going to be shiny on the outside perimeter while the iron second ring will be the same color top, bottom, and sides.

[ReelFun]

Thanks, I'll take a look at them.

[gtofreek]

Yes, like Mick said. The second ring will be a cast iron ring, and will have a solid black face on it. The top ring should have a face that is light colored, or silverish color to it. It will be obviously different from the second ring. If both rings have a black face, then you have cast rings, top and bottom, but I can't imagine you have cast rings there. If you do, you should re-think using them, and get some Moly rings. Cast top rings wear the cylinders out a lot more.

[Half-Inch Stud]

Doesn't the Moly Top-ring show two bright rails and a dull middle?

[gtofreek]

It's just the opposite. A Moly filled top ring will have a light colored[silverish] middle, with a thin black strip on the top, and bottom edge of the ring face. A plasma moly ring will have the silverish look across the face. Either way, the second ring will be cast with a completely black face.If the top ring and the bottom rings have a chamfer around the inside edge, then the chamfer faces down on the second ring, and up on the top ring. If the top ring has no chamfer, then it can be installed either way. The second ring should always have an inside chamfer around the bottom edge, and should also have a dot or some sort of marking for "up".

[gtofreek]

Originally Posted by Half-Inch Stud

Doesn't the Moly Top-ring show two bright rails and a dull middle?

I should rephrase my previous answer. You are correct when looking at used Moly rings. As the ring wears, the black lines at the top and bottom of the ring face will turn shiny, while the silverish middle will darken up some. My previous description was describing new, unused Moly rings, right out of the box.

[ReelFun]

Thanks everyone. I took a look and one ring is shiny on the outside edge and the other is all black. Thats why I like this board; there is always someone who can answer your questions.

[Half-Inch Stud]

Paul, It's all good huh.