The Ford Barn

700rpm · 06-02-2015, 10:34 PM

I've been struggling with what I perceived as an over-tight engine since the rebuild last spring. Here is the earlier thread on it:
https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=154688

Most theories came down to too tight of a clearance on the rings.

I finally pulled the pistons and checked my ring gap on the top two rings on all four cylinders, and they were all .020 ±, well within mfgr's specs (Hastings, from Snyder's). Piston clearance on all four was .004+, which also seems to be the consensus here and elsewhere on proper piston clearance. Tomorrow or the next day I’ll reassemble and drive it. I don’t know what else can be causing it to seize up when warmed up, except maybe -maybe!- it is still in the break-in phase. But I'm out of options and it's driving season, and since I found no serious damage inside, I'm gonna drive it! If there is a serious problem, I guess it will eventually show up.

06-02-2015, 10:34 PM	#1
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 6,039	Update on ring clearances I've been struggling with what I perceived as an over-tight engine since the rebuild last spring. Here is the earlier thread on it: https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=154688 Most theories came down to too tight of a clearance on the rings. I finally pulled the pistons and checked my ring gap on the top two rings on all four cylinders, and they were all .020 ±, well within mfgr's specs (Hastings, from Snyder's). Piston clearance on all four was .004+, which also seems to be the consensus here and elsewhere on proper piston clearance. Tomorrow or the next day I’ll reassemble and drive it. I don’t know what else can be causing it to seize up when warmed up, except maybe -maybe!- it is still in the break-in phase. But I'm out of options and it's driving season, and since I found no serious damage inside, I'm gonna drive it! If there is a serious problem, I guess it will eventually show up. __________________ Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.