[wpuryear]

I'm rebuilding a Kohler 301 engine on my Gravely mower using a .010" over piston. The rings supplied with the piston use a three part oil scraper - expansion spring and two oil rings. The problem is that on assembly of the oil ring, the fit is exceedingly tight. It's so tight that you can't simply push the piston up and down in the cylinder but have to use a fair amount of force.

The expander spring is in the shape of a square wave. Cutting off one section would make the whole arrangement too loose. Is this very tight fit normal? As is, I would think premature wear would be inevitable.

Thanks,
Walt Puryear
Athens, GA

 

[63Panzer]

Had the same situation when I rebuilt my K161, .20 over and the same ring set up. After oiling the heck out of it (the bore), it did start moving smoother. Must have put the piston in on the dry side.

 

[Big10]

It's normal. I have to admit with ya though i've seen them so tight it starts to make you wonder but she'll break in and free up. Sure 'nuff.

 

[63Panzer]

My old Clinton 1200 also had the same set up in the re-ring kit. Make sure its oiled good. I broke mine in slowly, another words don't run it at full throttle pulling a trailer up hill the first time out. I also changed to oil twice after the two initial start ups.