reseating rings

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Apr 3, 2023 | 04:22 PM

#11

Dan89FLSTC

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 21,032

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From: South Carolina

Rufus, I just did it about a year ago on my 2019 Electra Glide Standard (103 M8), it doesn`t use any oil yet, 8,000 miles since it was reassembled.

I had to split the cases to check for debris (there was nothing) after I kludged up a cam bearing removal, and the bearing came out in pieces...

The pistons had to be removed from the cylinders to clean the carbon buildup off the tops, rings were removed from the pistons and reinstalled after cleaning them up.

Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Apr 3, 2023 at 04:36 PM.

Apr 3, 2023 | 04:32 PM

#12

98hotrodfatboy

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 21,023

Likes: 7,548

From: Poolville

Quote:

Originally Posted by harpwrench

I’ve done it several times over the years on my own shovels evos and twin cams, never had a problem. I reuse gaskets if they look good too

Honestly I have as well and no issue.. Did just recently on my 103 Build with heads and cams.. The one thing I will say is that a deisel has twice the compression so don't even make a comparison cause there is not one.. And Ball hones are only for deglazing...

Apr 3, 2023 | 08:43 PM

#13

Max Headflow

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 19,830

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From: poway

Quote:

Originally Posted by harpwrench

Like wfoLarry said there’s no reason not to slide the jugs off the pistons and put them back on after replacing gaskets. Ball hones are for brake cylinders and you’re better off just cleaning the parts, oil and reassemble

I think what Larry is sayin' is that you can pull the cylinders and leave the pistons on the rods..

The ring do rotate on the pistons. At 12000, cylinders are fresh enough that it's not an issue..

Apr 4, 2023 | 05:03 AM

#14

t150vej

HDF Community Team

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 5,376

Likes: 2,574

From: NC USA

At 5 or 6 to 1 it's definitely time to retreat

Glad to hear several have done it "your way" and had good results. To me it's akin to new wheel bearings, setting end play then driving the old seals back in. And I'm certain if I explained my methods on some types of major engine work (with great results for years), you would all think I'm nucking futs too.

Like I always say; what works for some may not work for all and always do what's comfortable and works for you. To each one's own....

Thanks for the info, I'll keep the used piston ring portion of my neurosis to myself in the future.

Apr 5, 2023 | 01:59 PM

#15

Since 1968

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2019

Posts: 952

Likes: 528

From: Richmond TX

I've removed and re-used rings on British bikes back in the day. After a buddy's experience I learned to stand the ring on a flat surface and be very careful none were put back on the piston 'upside down'. That will get you some smoke. Of course, leaving rings on the piston eliminates that risk. I pulled rings from pistons to clean up the lands, carbon everywhere. I was always broke or would have installed new rings.

Apr 6, 2023 | 12:06 PM

#16

Fat11Lo

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 2,008

Likes: 596

From: Columbus, OH

Quote:

Originally Posted by t150vej

I saw it tried on one that failed after 1500 miles. Pumped oil out the air boxes to the tune 3 gallons every 500 miles. It was an 8V71 Diesel done by the master tech at the shop

Not doubting your experience, but imo this isn't even an apples to oranges comparison. 71 series Detroit's have 2 sets of oil control rings above and below the wrist pins due to its two stroke design and the way the blower works and they are very easy to to get damaged on the install. I always used a ring funnel and installed the piston from the bottom of the liners, then set the liner/piston & rod assembly to the block. More than likely the "discs" used to keep the wrist pin in place were causing that amount of oil out the air box. Detroit accomplishes piston cooling with a squirter on the top of the connecting rod and full oil pressure comes from the bearing end up through the center of the rod lubes the wrist pin and then squirts that oil on the bottom of the piston to cool it. The discs have to be dimpled correctly to seal and many guys used to just pound them in with a socket. If the pistons were handled a lot cleaning them up for re use then the sealing of the disc to the piston could easily be compromised. Always checked seal with a suction cup and a hand held vacuum pump

Have I ever re used rings and cylinder bore? Many many times, but I never bothered to do a before and after compression and/or leak down test to see if any cylinder seal was lost, these crude *** Harley engines are not as fragile as this forum makes them out to be

Apr 6, 2023 | 12:45 PM

#17

t150vej

HDF Community Team

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 5,376

Likes: 2,574

From: NC USA

There's a LOT more to that part of the story and again, it was the other guy who was forced to commit that act of insanity (in my opinion)... My only reason for mentioning it was to add to my point I'd never re-use rings again. To each one's own.

Seriously, my compliments on the 53 and 71 lessons for anyone here who cares to read, very well written.

I did all the Detroit rebuild/repair work at the next 2 places I worked public, about 15 years total in the '80's early '90's so I know a little about how they work