Does anyone know for certain how the end gaps should be positioned on a 1986 KLF300? I'm ready to put the top end together and I won't have my Clymer manual until later tonight or tomorrow and I'd really like to be able to break it in over the weekend. Thanks in advance.

 

Rule of thumb is to keep the top ring end gap behind the piston pin hole area,the second ring on the opposite side.Oil ring expanders spaced apart in a similar fashion away from the compression ring end gaps. The main point is to keep any end gap away from the intake and exhaust area where they would have the most stress on them. Rings will move a little as the piston breaks in but usually not that much.

 

Odd, I got the manual tonight and it shows the gaps at the intake and exhaust sides, 180 degrees apart. Does this seem right?

 

You can do as you wish,but I wouldn't ever line the end gaps up where they have the most amount of stress from the rotation of the piston which is towards the front and rear.Plus you don't ever wont to line up end gaps even with the piston pins,another stress area. Here's a good diagram.

 

Thanks. I think I'll go with your diagram. I'm disappointed that the new piston and rings didn't come with any other installation instructions other than to make sure that the oil scraper gaps were staggered 1" on either side of the expander ring and to make sure everything was clean and well lubricated.

 

On some things manufacturers and manual designers think everyone should already know what to do without further explanation. Manuals and instructions should be a little more precise in some critical areas such as piston rings,etc.Even us old mechanics would sometimes scratch our heads on things..