Topic: 1975 cb 550 - Still need help with Piston Ring Gap please

[elquenada]

I posted a slew of questions yesterday but got no response so im crossing my fingers someone will help out with this one.  im guessing yesterday was probably not the busiest day on the forum and on that note...Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Anyway, back to my problem.  My pistons are all cleaned up, my bore has been deglazed and im ready to install a fresh set of Honda standard-size rings.

What do you think of these ring gap numbers:
The top ring (the one with the light gray/crome band right?) measured .013-.014 in all cylinders top and bottom.
The Second ring measured .011 in all cylinders top and bottom.
The 3-piece oil ring rails had a gap larger than my largest feeler gauge (.023)

will i need to file these rings or should I just install them?

[Redman]

You need to measure the bores, top, center and bottom. You also need to measure your piston diameters at the skirt. I don`t have a 550 manual, but your readings indicate a lot of wear. You will most likely end up with low compression if you put it back together with what you have.

[elquenada]

I did measure the bore and piston skirts and they were in spec according to the manual. Compression was about 150 in all cylinders before I took it apart.  

The serviceable limit according to the clymer manual is:

Top Ring:       .028
2nd Ring:       .028
Oil Ring:        .043

My gap measurements upon reinspection of bottom and top of cylinders:

Top Ring:  .013
2nd Ring:  .011
Oil Ring:  .025

[OldSchool_IsCool]

The manual should specify a minimum and maximum gap for each ring.  I'm assuming you're listing the max.  Does it say anything about the min gap? 

If ur measured gap is less then the specified min gap, then yes, file a wee bit off the end of the offending ring until your gap is slightly larger then the min.  Be careful as rings are easily broken!

[elquenada]

thats actually why im writing.  I cant find a minimun ring gap in the clymer manual or the pdf of the original honda manual.  I guess I will have to look a little harder cause I dont see it anywhere.  thanks for the response.

[elquenada]

ok.  so i guess im going blind or something cause I just found what I need to know in the service manual pdf.  I guess I wasnt looking in the right place.  this is what the manual says:



according to those specs my top ring seems to be on the top end of the standard value spectrum but otherwise I think im good to install without filing.

[Whaleman]

No need to file. Dan

[elquenada]

dan.  thanks for the confirmation. sometimes i have numbers and im still paranoid about proceediing.