Piston Ring question?

Got these new NPR Rings (13008-5005) and only the 2nd ring has markings on it which I know to mean up.

The first ring is beveled but appears to be beveled on both sides with no markings. The oil rings are unmarked as well.....

Additionally, my clymer shows two different sets of rings for the 900cc and 1000cc. These rings are listed with the same part numbers with vendors. According to clymer I have a set of 1000 rings based soley on shape.

Any thoughts?:S

Some search around auto forums on the web has revealed suggestions that unmarked rings are an indication that direction does not matter if also in the absence of any bevel.

I would still like to hear some reinforcement from those who pride themselves on having seen it all. Or are there any on here???:huh:

Hey Bud,

I found this link that has some good info on piston ring orientation:

kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...tid=2&id=79015#79400

Hope this helps

great thanks, I guess if I cant find a mark and no difference with a microscope then the ring cant make much of a difference up or down.

If anyone stumbles upon this with more info, I'd love to hear it. Orientation is well described in my manual, and that does not seem to heavy for me. I have also heard that a zip tie over the rings works well as a spring compressor.

id say call the guys you got the rings from,so its on them

Here's a link to one of the earlier searches.

Click > kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...d=2&id=240886#241281

If not already done, could also try a search for other earlier threads.

Good Fortune!

here is a link with some pics that show direction. it would be best to call the suplyer though. not the shop that sold them but the manufactuer. or check there web site.

www.hastingsmfg.com/ServiceTips/ring_types.htm

Patton wrote:

Here's a link to one of the earlier searches.

Click > kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...d=2&id=240886#241281

If not already done, could also try a search for other earlier threads.

Good Fortune!

I have already read these articles which say little about rings with no markings. Again, I have a manual and orientation is not an issue for me. I also know which ring is which.

What I would like to know is whether rings are compatible across motorcycles (900cc -1000cc).These rings were packaged with a part # for the 900 but have the shape of the 1000cc according to my clymer. The manufacturer is in Japan!

Your computer is your friend, Google the part # you posted, comes up as
Kawasaki 1974 Z1 900
Kawasaki 1975 Z1 900
Kawasaki 1976 KZ900 A
Kawasaki 1976 KZ900 B LTD
Kawasaki 1977 KZ900 A
Ring Set.

Per FSMs, notches in middle ring differ between 900 and 1000.

Good Fortune!

Patton wrote:

Per FSMs, notches in middle ring differ between 900 and 1000.

Good Fortune!

That is what I have been trying to say!!!!!!!!

My rings......(takes breath) are notched to match the picture (takes another breath) of the 1000cc rings.

My rings came in factory packaging with the above part number for a 900cc... hmmmmmmm

Once again, my part # is for 900 but notches match the 1000cc picture.

My question is.......did the rings notched originally for 900cc get replaced by rings similarly notched to that of the 1000cc rings... See picture...

Have a look at the bore differences between a 900 and 1000.
Have you tried to check the fitment of the rings to the cylinders/ piston lands? If you had 1000 rings they would not go into your stock 900 bore.
In other words what is your ring end gap, and ring to land clearance?
Did you get new circlips for the piston pins? Cheap insurance!!!!