4 ring vs 3 ring

[jtrichard]

Lavoy/Leonard? or anyone else...1010/2010 diesel 4 ring vs 3 ring ....early vs late are the top 2 rings the same on both as in grove size not bore size...if i had a 4 ring set could i just not use the 3rd compression ring on the later 3 ring piston?

[Willyr]

I wouldnt. A 3 ring means there is only one compression ring, a oiler ring, and a wiper ring. On the 4 ring piston you have gained an extra compression ring. Usually as a techie discovered that the application did not support the load and needed one more ring to stop blowby.

The oil ring can not be relocated by a mechanic. When the piston has no rings. If you inspect the oil ring slot you will see the piston is perforated. Those perforations are for the only purpose of lubricating the piston in the cylinder.

The whole key to rebuilding a engine, is not to modify the engine (short of using it in a drag race, then you will need to tweak away). You will need to adhere to the set practices of what is.

A mechanic once told me. If you need to ask about how to swim against the current? You have already answered your question of "if I should"

[Lavoy]

Gotta plead ignorance on this one, not sure if they are all the same size and just added one ring. A good Hastings dealer might be able to give you the specs on both sets.
I would not leave a ring groove open if that is what you mean.
Lavoy

[jtrichard]

no not leave one open the later pistons only had 3 rings the early pistons had 4 rings.... i have a early ring set and a late 2010 that will some day need re ring