Oil expander ring question

1976 KZ 900 with 70mm Honda CB 450/500 ART Pistons..cylinders honed and new Honda rings purchased ( no information included with rings)

The oil expander is proud of the piston land when placed in the groove along with the 2 thin oil rings ( freely rotates in the groove). I have researched this online and see opinions on cutting the ends to not cutting but simply compressing the rings. My concern is once I try to place the pistons in the cylinder block, the expander will wind up over lapping itself and causing oil burning. What do you guys think? Also the Honda FSM recommends a piston ring gap of 0.3mm-0.5mm 1st ring and 2nd ring and 0.2-0.4mm for the 1 piece oil ring that initially came in the Honda CB 450/500 but was upgraded to the more modern 3 piece oil ring. Do I need to gap my oil ring (3 parts) and if so what should the gap be for the thin rings and expander (what tool to use if I need to shorten the expander)?
Thanks
Tom


 

The expander is a spring.  Don't shave that.  Yes, to setting ring gap on the other 4 rings, and use a ring compressor before installing the pistons.  

As above.
DON'T TOUCH THE EXPANDER.
It is designed to prevent the scraper rings from twisting and to push rings against the bore.
The ends also have a slight upturn which butt together and cannot overlap once installed correctly and the scraper rings are fitted.

As noted Don't mess with ANY of the 3 pieces of the oil ring assembly! You can initially check end-gap by using the piston to push the rings into the bore, all 4 pieces. Doubt you'll have to change anything though if they are Genuine Honda rings. Honda supplies pretty tolerance correct stuff right out of the box, not like crappy aftermarket stuff.