Reusing Rings

Is it ok to remove the rings from the pistons to clean the ring grooves then reinstall the same rings?

Or does the risk of snapping a ring make cleaning with rings on a better idea?

I haven't pulled the cylinders off yet so this is all just planning right now. If it needs it will get new rings and honed of course, but I would like to avoid the need to break the motor in. My leak-down was between 1-3% on all cylinders, so I'm not expecting it to need anything but a good cleaning.

I hope I don't sound too ignorant! :blush:

Thanks

I would not reuse the same rings ? If you are going to go that far I'd go that extra step,,Used rings tend to bend. If you'er looking to clean maybe running some Ring Free through it ??

I reused the rings on my 750F1, but it was a very on the cheap build. I was just very careful in removing/installing them. Cleaned all the grooves and all is well. Engine still has good squeeze and minimal leakdown. Mostly I just was fixing a base gasket leak, but noticed the oil rings were pretty much stuck in the groove. All seems to have worked out well. Now if I could just get my carb issue resolved...

if the ring end gaps check out on my own stuff i will reuse rings for customers i always go with new. i was wondering why if you only had 3 or so percent leakdown why did you tear the motor down in the first place. one other thing unless the cylinders are really glazed don't hone them if your going to reuse the rings because you will have to break them in again.

timebomb:

I'm tearing the top end apart because I need to replace the valve seals, and figured while I'm in there I would cleanup the carbon/oil buildup that resulted from the bad seals.

Also, I was not planning on honing if I reused the rings, only if I put new ones in. Sorry if that wasn't clear.

I guess I will just have to decide what to do once I get in there. I will try to get them clean without removing the rings first and if I'm satisfied I'll just leave it at that. If not, I'll probably just break down and put new rings in.

I'm planning on pulling the head tomorrow, so we'll see then! :woohoo:

Thanks for all of your replies.