Filing piston ring gaps

[ra_28]

Fitting new forged pistons to the 18rgte. There CP pistons and following the instructions it tells me to check the clearance for the end gaps. So I installed the pistons with no rings then used the pistons to square the rings to the bore. I measured the end gaps and i have 0.011 inches and it needs to be 0.025 inches.

Can this be done with a good small file or should i be using a stone for this.

Cheers
Alex

[Celica_73]

I'm sure a small file will be quicker then a stone. I've seen my father use a file to adjust ring end gaps before.

Either should be fine.

[thechuckster]

don't you have to file the ring gap ends in a specific direction?


ninja edit: from <http://www.wiseco.com/PDFs/Manuals/RingEndGap.pdf>

"Wiseco recommends filing ring end gaps using the proper ring end gap filing tool, either an electric ring grinding machine or manual hand crank style grinder."

"Always file from the ring face towards the inside diameter to avoid damaging the face coating"

"File only one end of the ring. Use the unfiled end as a reference"