Engine: Ring Gap questions

[dennisjc50]

I'm rebuilding a low mileage 245 for my '50 Land Cruiser. I've seen on line that the end gap spec for the rings is 0.009 inches. I took out the pistons and removed the 2 compression rings from one of the pistons and the ring gap at both the top and bottom of the cyl is 0.140 (more than 1/8th of an inch). (for some reason I can't attach a photo of this)
Any ideas about the discrepancy of the ring gap?

[Bud]

The rule of thumb for ring end gap is .004" per inch of piston diameter. Other than that recommendation, refering to the shop manual for the correct information is the best information. If you have .140" end gap either you have the wrong rings or they are really worn due to high mileage. Bud

[53commander]

You will need to take some measurements of the cylinders to see if they are worn also, it might need to be bored.

[Mike Van Veghten]

Agreed with above.......you'll have a very poor running engine if toy use those rings, if it'll even start..!
For a normal, carbureted engine, the .004" per bore inch, is a good place to start.
To achieve this, you normally have to buy a good quality ring and buy "oversize" rings. Most common, non-performance rings will have a larger gap.

Mike