1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Oil Control Ring Install – Rings won't stay put

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-12-19, 12:08 PM
  #1  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
derSchwamm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 630
Received 62 Likes on 43 Posts
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).



Old 08-14-19, 10:52 AM
  #2  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
derSchwamm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 630
Received 62 Likes on 43 Posts
Bump... I could really use some help here. Nobody's had this problem?
Old 08-14-19, 11:36 AM
  #3  
Moderator

iTrader: (2)
 
rxtasy3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Spartanburg, SC
Posts: 9,315
Likes: 0
Received 256 Likes on 237 Posts
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.
Old 08-14-19, 11:48 AM
  #4  
Rotary Freak

iTrader: (2)
 
j_tso's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 1,756
Received 248 Likes on 167 Posts
^what he said

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

Last edited by j_tso; 08-14-19 at 11:50 AM.
Old 08-14-19, 01:31 PM
  #5  
I have a rotary addiction

iTrader: (18)
 
NCross's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Columbia, Tennessee
Posts: 4,815
Received 23 Likes on 22 Posts
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.
Old 08-14-19, 04:16 PM
  #6  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
derSchwamm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 630
Received 62 Likes on 43 Posts
Originally Posted by j_tso
^what he said

Check out around 00:30 in this video, you can see the rings pop back up:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHJHY9q5yBQ

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...
Old 08-16-19, 08:43 AM
  #7  
Always Wanting to Learn

iTrader: (49)
 
DreamInRotary's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Cambridge, Minnesota
Posts: 3,078
Received 42 Likes on 40 Posts
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.
Old 08-16-19, 09:33 AM
  #8  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
derSchwamm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 630
Received 62 Likes on 43 Posts
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
Old 08-17-19, 07:56 AM
  #9  
BadAss DoItYourselfer

iTrader: (9)
 
jetlude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Paradise
Posts: 869
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
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.
Old 09-01-19, 03:53 PM
  #10  
Full Member
 
workaholic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 73
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Make sure the slot they fit in is super clean and free from debris!
Old 09-04-19, 12:55 PM
  #11  
Rotary Enthusiast
iTrader: (5)
 
kutukutu1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Southfield, MI
Posts: 1,296
Received 60 Likes on 38 Posts
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
Old 09-05-19, 11:28 AM
  #12  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
derSchwamm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 630
Received 62 Likes on 43 Posts
Originally Posted by kutukutu1
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
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
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Version6
General Rotary Tech Support
6
10-09-12 02:39 AM
Jim_rx7
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
5
01-28-09 10:08 PM
matpdx2300
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
1
03-02-08 03:09 PM
chris_stampe
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
16
05-06-04 06:28 AM
Green
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
11
12-11-01 12:06 PM



Quick Reply: Oil Control Ring Install – Rings won't stay put



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:11 PM.