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Have you ever filed your piston rings by hand?

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Old Feb 7, 2012, 05:46 AM
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Have you ever filed your piston rings by hand?

so my block is back from the machine shop, I have all the parts gathered finally..

all thats left is to re-assemble it..

the only thing is I don't have a ring filer to cut the rings..

I've heard it can be done by locking a bastard file in a vice and filing from outside-in doing it that way..

living on the other end of the globe, means ordering one will take 2 wks easily..
and i'll probably never use it again after this..so not really worth the investment.

have any of you done it this way?

also I hear contradicting methods... some say u should file both sides of the ring simultaneously others say do only one side,

example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf1rbqliYjk
Old Feb 7, 2012, 06:18 AM
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A ring filer like the one you show is the preferred tool. Yes it is specialized like allot of automotive tools are but when needed it is advised to use. Improvisational tools can be used but require a more tedious approach. Measuring and setting end gaps I think is one of the steps to making a successful build.

Last edited by whtrice; Feb 8, 2012 at 02:49 PM.
Old Feb 7, 2012, 11:40 AM
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I just feel u would possibly have more burs doing it by hand.
Old Feb 7, 2012, 11:45 AM
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I used a Dremel tool and then a file to de-burr.
Old Feb 7, 2012, 11:49 AM
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i do one side, but iver never had to take off awhole lot either. take your time with filing it down u can snap them rings quick if you rush it. keep it lubed up and keep checking it often. I use a flat snap on File its about 4 inches long by just under 3/8s wide, i finish it up with a smooth grit sand paper with oil or a small stone.

Last edited by blowngasket; Feb 7, 2012 at 11:52 AM.
Old Feb 7, 2012, 01:02 PM
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Just to add because I have been reading some people don't on the subi forum, but do you Evo guys use a torque plate when installing rings?
Old Feb 7, 2012, 01:55 PM
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Originally Posted by MOREPSiTEHBETT4
Just to add because I have been reading some people don't on the subi forum, but do you Evo guys use a torque plate when installing rings?

No. Torque plate is used when the block is being bored and honed.

David
Old Feb 7, 2012, 02:02 PM
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I learned to use a file to do it in auto school, but we werent building high performance engines
Old Feb 7, 2012, 10:06 PM
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Originally Posted by blowngasket
i do one side, but iver never had to take off awhole lot either. take your time with filing it down u can snap them rings quick if you rush it. keep it lubed up and keep checking it often. I use a flat snap on File its about 4 inches long by just under 3/8s wide, i finish it up with a smooth grit sand paper with oil or a small stone.
Originally Posted by EvoJoeIX
I learned to use a file to do it in auto school, but we werent building high performance engines


so you guys just locked it in a vice with the end sticking out and then dragged the rings across it?

did u guys "spread" the ring as u filed it? or did u twist it?
Old Feb 8, 2012, 12:10 AM
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Originally Posted by okevolutionVIII
I used a Dremel tool and then a file to de-burr.
what if u were to fix the dremel and use it's cut off wheel as the ring filer?
Old Feb 8, 2012, 11:53 PM
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i seriously wouldnt do it by hand.. take them to a machine shop if you must.. they will probably do em for $10 a piece for you.. just give them the gaps you want done. you'll have to lug your block with you tho for best accuracy.
Old Feb 9, 2012, 10:03 AM
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I use the same file as shown in the video, and only file one side of the ring
Old Feb 15, 2012, 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted by MechanicDave
No. Torque plate is used when the block is being bored and honed.

David
some subi builders have showed that the ring gaps will change when the head is torqued to spec.
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