EXpansion ring woes

[Rubyz32]

I'm in the process of assembling my block, putting rings on pistons currently. I've come across something I've never seen before. The expansion ring for the proper .40 set that I need is overlapping itself by atleast a quarter inch. It does this both on the piston itself as well as when I check it on the block. The 1st and 2nd rings are fine. May have to file a tiny bit off, but nothing like the expansion ring.

So my question is, has anyone ever trimmed they're expansion ring? Or do I have the wrong set of rings? Any and all input is appreciated.

[ca18det_boy]

I've never seen or heard of that personally. I would get in touch with the manufacturer and see what they say.

[NolimitZ32]

I'm with him^ contact the vendor and see what they say, it's not unheard of mfgs changing tech on us but I really don't think its a good idea to install an expansion ring with an overlap but I have seen stranger things. Who are the rings by btw?

[amc49]

If the expander is for the oil ring rails it is common for them to appear to want to way overlap, it's a function of the way they are made. Do NOT !!!!! overlap at assembly or you WILL have extreme engine damage right off the bat!!

You carefully butt the expander ends with the upper and lower rails sitting in the side cutouts supplied for them and if by some chance the setup will not install like a normal ring then obviously parts are defective or mismatched. You will never need to file an oil ring assembly like a top or second ring. It would be a major mistake as the filing will totally mess up the oil ring tension which is the oil control in the motor.

BTDT at least a hundred times on other engines that the expander does the same on. If expander is truly too wide when butted you'll never get the rails on it in a correct fashion with a close-to gap. And the entire thing will be impossible to fit on piston and in the bore.