Cleaning pistons?

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937carrera
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Re: Cleaning pistons?

Post by 937carrera »

When you say rings are different to original are you using Total Seal piston rings ?

Barrels can go where you want, this time only, after that should go back in same position
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itchyfeet
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Re: Cleaning pistons?

Post by itchyfeet »

Ciaoflyer wrote:
itchyfeet wrote:
Ciaoflyer wrote:Ok, all cleaned! Any special tips for installing piston rings before I attempt it?

You will struggle to get the DJ top ring on without ring expander tool unless you have gloves and strong thumbs, they are strong and sharp, read the manual as to ring gap orientation and remember that the arrows point to flywheel and so 1&2 are the other way up to 3&4

compressions Rings have a top also

I lay barrels out as they go on with numbers and arrows on and so you don't make errors, then fit pistons straight into barrels.

http://forum.club8090.co.uk/viewtopic.p ... 0#p8164830" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

My barrels are new so can I number them as I choose one for each piston?


yes you can number them as you like, you might wamt to measure them just in case they are slightly different bore then match with pistons so you have as even clearance as possible.

not 100% sure about the oil ring I think offsetting the side rings is OK there were some comments on this somewhere.
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itchyfeet
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Re: Cleaning pistons?

Post by itchyfeet »

937carrera wrote:When you say rings are different to original are you using Total Seal piston rings ?

Barrels can go where you want, this time only, after that should go back in same position

I think he means oil scraper is in three parts lots of older rings are two parts a main ring with a spring
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937carrera
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Re: Cleaning pistons?

Post by 937carrera »

itchyfeet wrote: I think he means oil scraper is in three parts lots of older rings are two parts a main ring with a spring

That's why I asked, I expected oil ring with spring, only one "gap" on the ring and the spring joint should be offset. Total Seal rings are different, I have used them, but a bit "exotic" for a WBX. The three circled areas with just the oil control ring inserted is what made me ask.

Gapless compression rings
http://www.performanceunlimited.co.uk/b ... ton-rings/
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Re: Cleaning pistons?

Post by itchyfeet »

look just like the KS ones I bought
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Re: Cleaning pistons?

Post by Ciaoflyer »

Yes oil control ring here it is, incidentally I have looked through the paper work which came with rings and it does seem to suggest you offset the three parts of the oil ring....

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Image

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937carrera
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Re: Cleaning pistons?

Post by 937carrera »

You learn something every day, I would not have expected that in from the OEM market.

No need for me to tell you to stagger the gaps at 120 degrees now that you have RTFM :)
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Re: Cleaning pistons?

Post by Ciaoflyer »

On a different note, why does the manual state that valves can’t be re cut ? I ask because I took my heads to be rebuilt at a machine shop and when I collected he had re cut the valves. I told him what the manual states but he said there would be no issues and he could see no reason why they could not be re cut. All rebuilt and pressure tested and no apparent issues.
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itchyfeet
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Re: Cleaning pistons?

Post by itchyfeet »

Ciaoflyer wrote:On a different note, why does the manual state that valves can’t be re cut ? I ask because I took my heads to be rebuilt at a machine shop and when I collected he had re cut the valves. I told him what the manual states but he said there would be no issues and he could see no reason why they could not be re cut. All rebuilt and pressure tested and no apparent issues.

good question...watching
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Re: Cleaning pistons?

Post by george2490 »

Are the valves sodium filled?

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Re: Cleaning pistons?

Post by Oldiebut goodie »

More likely they are stellite coated which would be destroyed by cutting.
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Re: Cleaning pistons?

Post by ajsimmo »

Could be a misunderstanding in terms used, as he might be hearing "recut valve seats" (ok) when you say "recut valves" (not ok). Or perhaps he just meant "lapped in"?
If a valve needs reworking, it's better to replace it anyway.

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Re: Cleaning pistons?

Post by Ciaoflyer »

Have weighed all pistons and pins, is this result good?

Image
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937carrera
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Re: Cleaning pistons?

Post by 937carrera »

You won't get better balance.

Just weighed one of mine, 0.5mm oversize, combined was 615g compared to your 629g. I don't think the scales are accurate to compare across each other :roll:

Get on with reassembly, nudge, nudge
1981 RHD 2.0 Aircooled Leisuredrive project, CU engine
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Re: Cleaning pistons?

Post by Ciaoflyer »

937carrera wrote:You won't get better balance.

Just weighed one of mine, 0.5mm oversize, combined was 615g compared to your 629g. I don't think the scales are accurate to compare across each other :roll:

Get on with reassembly, nudge, nudge


Many thanks, very new to vw engines so taking me a while, also what oil would you recommend for DJ engine. 10/30 sf? Semi synthetic or mineral?
1988 Autohomes Karisma DJ 2.1 Auto

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