<VV> hastings ring orientation

[djtcz at comcast.net]

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snipped and bottom posted 

-------------- Original message -------------- 
> From: "Stu Padazzo" 
> Subject: Piston Rings 
> 
> 1966 Monza 140 with new +20 over Hyper-pistons and Hastings rings part number 
> C7492+20: 
> 
> Other than the oil control rings there are also a set of light colored rings and 
> a set of black rings in the pack. Past experience tells me the light colored 
> rings go in the top landing and the black ones go in the second landing. 
> Correct? It's been a few years. 
> 
> Thanks, 
> Chris 
> 

Should be instructions in or on the box.
I believe C indicates a chrome plated top ring.
There's a top and a bottom for each ring, and that's VERY important, since the second ring has powerful oil scraping function.  If it is installed upside down it will tend to pump oil up into the combustion chamber. Not good.  You already are operating in the  shadow of the "chrome rings don't seat" legend.
The cylinders need the proper finish, which can not be described or identified by words like , rough, smooth, or plateaued.  They also must be clean, as in scrubbed with a brush and hot soapy water, and oiled immediately. I dunk a white rag or paper towel in motor (engine?) oil and wipe each cylinder. If the wiper gets the slightest bit gray, my cleaning was inadequate and needs to be re-done.

My preferred break in with any ring type is a few dozen 2 second bursts of heavy throttle while driving at medium rpm as soon as I check for oil leaks and the high idle cam/lifter break-in is over.

http://www.hastingsmfg.com/ServiceTips/compression_ring_installation.htm

Dan Timberlake 
Westford, Massachusetts, USA