Piston ring materials

[jackkelleher]

Anybody know what the piston rings are made of, or rather what options there are for material? Are there even multiple options? Took my block into the local garage to measure the bores for wear, and he said something about different materials that might be available, and how the optimum ones might require the removal of something pertaining to the bores, the name for which I unfortunately don't quite recall. So, what ring materials are available? Morrises are pretty simple, I can't imagine more than two at most...

[Kevin]

You used to be able to get cords rings as replacement if wear wasnt to much and they were stepped on the top ring to take into account the wear ridge near the top of the bore but I dont know about different materials.

[jackkelleher]

Hmm, all right... Well, I've had a look around but I couldn't find anything. I think this is a dead end.

[bmcecosse]

There are many many different fancy materials - but these are not required for a simple Minor engine. Was he saying he would need to 'glaze bust' the bores - ie lightly scuff them with an emery like device ? This removes the hardened 'glaze' (as you might guess) and allows the new rings to bed in nicely. It only takes minutes - and shoudn't cost much.

[jackkelleher]

That's exactly it! Thank you... Is it good to do with the standard Moggy rings, or even the AE ones?

[Alec]

Hello Jack,

I seem to remember that the rings are made from cast iron, except for sections of the oil control rings. I would doubt that there are any options for the majority of engines.

Alec

[bmcecosse]

Always a good idea to 'glaze bust' - it can be done by hand using emery paper and some elbow grease - and there are inexpensive tools than fit in electric drill to do the job. Also carefully 'blend away' any ridge that has formed near the top of the bore.