K301 ring position

[JimSraj 430]

Slowly reassembling the K301 I’ve been at since summer. Finally got the broken bolt out of the bearing plate I got from Squonk. Thanks for that Squonk. Bearing in, shimmed for end play, torqued to spec, seal installed,  checked ring end gaps and ready to install rings but realize I didn’t check the position of the rings on the old piston. It’s an ‘A’ type piston. One ring has a rabbet on the outer edge and the other has a bevel on the inner edge.

i think the one with the bevel goes on top with the bevel up and the one with the rabbet goes between it and the oil ring with the rabbet down but I’m not sure and don’t want to put it together wrong. 

Also, I’m planning to install with the ring gaps opposite one another over the wrist pin. Any thoughts on that will be appreciated. 

Is it necessary to use moly lube to put the rings in or is 30w oil ok?

Thanks in advance. You guys have been a great source of know how for a newbie like me. 

[Mickwhitt 4,642]

I guess there will be quite a few opinions on this one. Seems like there are different ring shapes, some of which have a dot on one face which goes up some of which don't gave any markings.

I followed the instructions that came with my new rings but if I'm honest they didn't make a whole lot of sense.

I used reassembly lube when I rebuilt mine which has a lot more tack to it so it doesn't run off into the sump.

I know some insist on the rings being opposite each other and over the gudgeon pin ends etc but I cant see a massive issue as I'm sure they will move in the bore under operation anyway.

Good luck on the rebuild, mine runs really well now.

Mick 

 

[squonk 41,162]

Can't help you with what ring goes where. As far as gap goes I install the oil ring expander center on 1 piston thrust surface. Then both oil rings about 20° from center in opposite directions from each other on the same skirt.

 

Center ring I install 20° from center on the opposite skirt and the top ring 20° from center in the opposite direction on that same skirt.

 

I never line up a ring gap with the piston wrist pin

[pacer 3,174]

There are several ring ...types?? As Mick sez, some with dot, bevel up, no bevel, bevel down, etc, etc. You should have had a slip with 'directions' paper in your set. some are easily understood and some .... not so much! I have never received a set that didnt have a this paper with ring description, often giving directions for more than your particular set. Of particular interest is on installing the oil ring with the .... spring/coil?? type It is critical to install the springy piece first and then the 2 thin rings on either side. 

 

Actually your description of placement on the other 2 - (top & middle) sounds right. Stacking position isnt critical as long as all 3 are spaced apart (say like 2 - 6 - and 10 on the clock)

[squonk 41,162]

The last 3 K181 ring sets I got had just some bad cross sectional pictures with no writing at all. 

[Achto 27,609]

2 hours ago, squonk said:

As far as gap goes I install the oil ring expander center on 1 piston thrust surface.

 

Only thing I disagree with, may be bad teaching on my part. I was taught that you should never put a ring gap on a thrust surface. 

[Achto 27,609]

11 hours ago, JimSraj said:

Any thoughts on that will be appreciated. 

 

30wt oil will work for assembly. My favorite assembly lube is Lucas oil treatment.

 

Here is some info to help you with ring orientation.

https://egge.com/info/piston_ring_installation/

[JimSraj 430]

No directions included with the rebuild kit from ISaveTractors. 

Guess I should email him with the question. From what I’ve been able to find out online I’m thinking the top ring is called a compression ring and the bevel on the inside circumference goes up to ‘catch’ the pressure from combustion and force the ring to expand. The ring with the rabbet is called a scraper ring and goes in the lower position between the oil ring and the compression ring with the rabbet down toward the oil ring. Still not positive yet though. I’ll probably call Kohler tomorrow as well as Norman. 

[JimSraj 430]

I’ve heard that too, about no gap on thrust face. But if they move around while running what’s the difference how they are installed wrt the gap position?

[Achto 27,609]

2 minutes ago, JimSraj said:

But if they move around while running what’s the difference how they are installed wrt the gap position?

 

The rings will not rotate on the piston once installed.

[squonk 41,162]

1 hour ago, Achto said:

 

Only thing I disagree with, may be bad teaching on my part. I was taught that you should never put a ring gap on a thrust surface. 

 Here's chart's that sort of shows what i was trying to say.

 

Edited November 14, 2021 by squonk

[JimSraj 430]

Picture s worth a thousand words. Thanks again. 

 

[Digger 66 3,485]

4 hours ago, Achto said:

 

The rings will not rotate on the piston once installed.

 

They will rotate if not correctly seated / broken-in. 

[JimSraj 430]

Again wanna thank all for the info, especially the stuff from Squonk and Achto. Pictures make it clear, especially when explanations accompany.