So I should use the same ring end gaps that Yamaha calls for even if its not a Yamaha piston? Yamaha calls for .008-.012. I was told that the rule of thumb is .004 per inch of the piston? Thanks

 

Just lightly use a ball hone if you have one,emory cloth,or something similar just to lightly remove any glaze from the cylinder walls so the rings can seat properly. Use Yamaha specs on ring end gaps as they're pretty close to what most other makes generally call for.

 

I have another question. Can I use a different brand piston and different brand rings or do they have to be the same brand? As long as they are cast rings it should be the same?

 

Should the oil control ring be butted with the butted end pointing up or down? I've always put it down but I just want to confirm.

 

Any time you change to a different brand piston,even if it shows the same over size,the overall measurement at the piston skirt may vary from the one you have! Plus never mix different rings with different pistons! Most oil rings I've dealt with can go either way..

 

Thanks, I ordered new rings to fit the piston that I have and will go from there. I will keep you posted once I get the rings in.

 

Hey old Polaris tech, I was just wondering on your procedure as to breaking in the new piston rings? There are so many different ways. When installing everything should I put a light coating of oil on the piston, cylinder, and rings or install dry?

 

Always use a light coat of oil in the cylinder,piston, rings and all moving parts before initial start up. Once running just let it warm up a to operating temperature and kill it it. Then after cooled down you can drive it around varying throttle ,but no wide open speeds. At least this is the way I've always done. Most new engine manuals allow about 2 hrs or so of driving for rings to seat.

 

I received my new piston rings and I have a question. We are kinda still in the dead of winter so break in is a problem. Should I put the atv back together and not run it until spring, or should I try to break it in now? I know you said around two hours or so for break in time.

Thanks

 

Entirely up to you whether to do it now or wait,but you need to make sure the cylinder is coated with oil, plus all parts protected from moisture/dirt until you do decide put it back together. Cold weather just takes longer for engine to warm up.Break in time is the same regardless of outside temp.