Ring Gaps are super tight on my Euro 2.7 P&Cs?

[voxboxer]

I received my engine back from Ollie's in Lake Havasu and have begun my rebuild. I bought a set of Euro 2.7 P&Cs (see attached pic of box) from Brian at Einmalig in SoCal.

I've checked the rings gaps on a couple of my cylinders and they are super tight. Now, I've heard that Mahle's ring gaps come pretty spec'd right out of the box, but mine are all showing on the .15mm (.006in) to .20mm (.008in) range - way below even the tightest gap tolerances. Before I start using my ring gap tool, i just wanted to see if anyone else has had the same issues with Mahles right out of the box, and if I'm understanding/reading the ring gap specs correctly? This is my first ring gap experience, so I want to be extra sure.

Thanks a lot, Jeff

[manbridge 74]

From the 72-73 tech spec book:

Ring gap 0.15mm to 0.45mm with 1mm being the service limit.

Sounds like you are in the window.

[Zuffenwerker]

They were tight like that from the factory. It's more common practice now to have larger gaps especially the 2nd compression ring. Look at ring gaps from Mahle motorsport, Je, CP, etc....recommend they are quite a lot bigger. I think it may have to do with ring seal. Lets more pressure behind the rings to force them out against the cylinder walls.

In my opinion you can go with the factory specs or the more modern specs with a larger gap. Hopefully an old expert can chime in and let us know.

Daniel

[draw]

Have you seen this video?

https://youtu.be/jTYb33OFraU

Kurt says all Mahle come in at the low end of the range...meaning 0.15mm.

[voxboxer]

manbridge 74 and Zuffewerker, you're both right. I got hold of a 76/77 The Spec Book (see pic). Very useful little book.