230 Dodge piston rings

[Cat Whisker]

This has probably been discussed here before but I haven't been able to find exactly what I am looking for. I am re-ringing a 230 engine and need to know the factory end ring gap, if one is specified. Past non racing engines that I built, I went with .004-.0045 end gap for every inch of bore and would probably be going with anywhere for .012-.015 for this one. Any recommendations?

 

Also, is there a diagram available for recommended indexing or clock position for the ring gaps?

 

Many thanks again in advance. Sincerely Michele.

[Plymouthy Adams]

books says.....010 to .020

[dpollo]

.003 for every inch of bore is what most ring manufacturers recommend   this is to be measured at the bottom of the bore on a used cylinder.  No harm will result if the gaps are wider than spec (within reason)

 

 

[Cat Whisker]

Many thanks Plymouthy Adams. I'm gonna go with .015. The book you got this from, did it have anything concerning the position/indexing of where the gaps are orientated? Thanks again. Sincerely Michele.

[Plymouthy Adams]

the factory service manual is the book most often quoted by me and if it is another book it will more than not be a Motors manual for the era.   In you rings kit often the direction of orientation of the rings is pictured there...there is no illustration in the book...internet to the rescue....quick and easy search, read a few article look at the pics....whatever...just do not position them in line to each other and outside of the wrist pin boss opening...

 

ring placement for piston with 4 grooves , sorry, I forgot to paste the link first time around......  https://search.yahoo.com/search?p=ring+placement+for+piston+with+4+grooves&fr=opensearch

Edited March 16, 2020 by Plymouthy Adams

[Cat Whisker]

Thanks for the info dpollo. Someone was into this engine as the cylinders are bored .030 but the walls look and mic great. The crosshatch is still very bright all the way and there was no ridge (just a little carbon) at the top. My mics show only a very small difference from top to bottom and the pistons have very little signs of wear on the thrust sides. I think I will go with .012-.015 for the gaps. Thanks again. SIncerely Michele.

[Cat Whisker]

Thanks again Plymouthy Adams. I have many, many older Chiltons manuals, but none on the Dodge 6. Since my pistons are now clean, I'll install the rings this evening and stagger them accordingly. I'm used to doing V8's and the cylinders are different depending on which bank. SIncerely Michele.

[Plymouthy Adams]

If  you out and about at any swap meet or care to venture online sales sites...Motor manual are a great supplement to the factory repair manual....I just bought one this weekend for 1960 year which goes back to 1953 for specs.  Well spend 5.00 for a book in excellent condition....just shop around a bit....Chilton's just don't make the grade in my opinion..

[Cat Whisker]

Many thanks to all for the info and assistance. I did find in my service manual some info on rings. Sincerely Michele.