Thanks TT,
Yes I have now dismissed the idea of fitting the Gandini rings. Another $96 down the drain. I will ask the dimensions of Hepolite rings, as that is a more likely solution.
Peter, I have not dismissed the idea of using the old-new 40-mile rings, as they look perfect. And I need the
thrill practice of tearing down the top end. I also want a second set of rings, as I want to monitor leakdown and change rings when needed in the future.
Trev, I have sent a request to Superperformance in Qld (Total Seal agency) and hope to get a reply.
I might have also found a third source of the smoking LHS cylinder. The gudgeon pins were VERY tight in both the pistons and the little-end bush. I also found the gudgeon pins with hammer-dents on one end (the outside end on each side). Luckily, any obvious damage to the conrods is not yet apparent, but I will be doing some checks there. That also explains the scuffing on the rear of the bores, and the rear of the piston skirts. When I went to remove them, I could not get them to budge by finger, then no budge with a wooden dowel and a light hammer. I had to buy a proper gudgeon pin puller (picture), and it took a couple of ft-lbs force on a 10" ring spanner to wind them out. This was forcing the piston against the rear of the bores on both up and down strokes, not allowing the piston to centre. This also positioned the rings on a slight angle. Who knows what effect this would have on the ring seal!
, so doubtful about re-using the old rings. Glad I found it after only 40 miles.
There are marks on the gudgeon and the bore of the little-end bushes, but no discernible wear.
I have lightly reamed the bush and pistons back to 0.75" for a firm push fit. A mystery, because when I assembled it 25 years ago, I certainly did not use a hammer. I also found one gudgeon was not uniform, and had to ease one end (the bludgeoned end) with 1200 wet-n-dry (very gently) to get it to fit. Not an ideal solution, but the fit is now nice.
Cheers
Colin
