Randall Young wrote:
> However, I doubt that going too tight will cause the rings to break, rather
> it will cause binding and cylinder wall damage. IMO, top ring breakage is
> usually due to the ring hitting the cylinder ridge, which can happen if the
> engine is revved beyond it's normal limit, even if that limit is below red
> line. IOW, if you've gone 30k miles without ever exceeding 4500 rpm, and
> then take it to 5000, you might break a ring.
While I have seen it happen a couple of times in engines (not Triumph, or
wet-sleeve) that were too new to have
developed a ridge (in both instances, severe overheating from coolant loss,
which I think caused the rings to stick and
break, but wasn't sure), Randall's assessment is more likely correct. It's one
of the reasons why best practice during
break-in is to vary engine speed frequently, and toward the end of the break-in
period, to do little bursts up toward
the redline. That ensures that the ridge forms at the very topmost extent of
ring travel.
Cheers.
--
Michael D. Porter
Roswell, NM
[mailto:mporter@zianet.com]
Never let anyone drive you crazy when you know it's within walking distance.
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