Oil Control Ring Install – Rings won't stay put
 

I'm installing the oil control rings on my rotors and I can't get the rings to stay in place like the manual suggests they should. They pop all the way in, and I can press them into the groove all the way by hand, but they pop back out as soon as I let pressure off. How do I get them to stay in?

Everything is brand new except the rotor. Atkins viton o rings. I tried a ton of oil on one rotor and a ton of vaseline on the other with the same result. I used an old oil ring and a 2x4 to push them in, and I used enough force to break the side of the old ring but the new ring still won't stay put. What am I doing wrong? The manual just says install them, check for free vertical movement, and then protrusion at 0.5mm (I have more than that although both rings are level).

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...9d91bed599.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...08e68de913.jpg

Bump... I could really use some help here. Nobody's had this problem?

it's been about 160k+ miles since i did my rebuild so i don't remember exactly, but they wont stay flush with the rotor after pushing them down. the springs under them will push back out on them to an extent. as long as they don't fall out when u flip the rotor over it should be fine.

^what he said

Check out around 00:30 in this video, you can see the rings pop back up:

They should have a small amount of spring to them. BTW viton rings are a PITA to push in compared to OE. As long as they are close to flush, have spring to them, and don't fall out your ok. It is possible btw to put to much vaseline in there. Remember that two objects cant occupy the same space at once so it will have to displace some of the oil/vaseline. Also make sure your grooves are as clean as possible. Carbon likes to build up under the springs.

Thanks for this video. That's EXACTLY what mine look like. They don't fall out and they do have a 'spring' to them, but they aren't flush.

I spent hours agonizing over this since it doesn't match the diagrams showing protrusion in the mazda service manual or the haynes manual...

So long as they move freely into the rotor extrusion they're meant to occupy with pressure, you should be good to go if you make sure they don't fall out or bind up on installation.

Aside from bending up a ring by being too forceful installing it, I am good to go. I guess I'll dig up a used one to replace it. Banging on a 2x4 with a rubber mallet was probably not a great idea

From the picture you posted, that looks exactly like how they should sit while seated in the rotor. As long as you have the springs oriented correctly (directional) you should be fine.

Make sure the slot they fit in is super clean and free from debris!

Make sure you have your correct spring on the correct slot and orientation for the rotation and yeah a 2x4 is not necessary for any assembly of the rotor :nono:

No kidding!! Even with the viton rings, I could install them all by hand once I realized I was actually installing them the right way to begin with