Top end re-ring tips needed

[thejackrabbit]

I'm putting new rings on my 200, the piston has a very little amount to carbon on it and is still in good shape no visible darkening from blow by, however I am installing new rings on it.

Should I take extra care in making sure the ring slots are clean on the piston or is it not a big deal?

also, I want to completely clean the cylinder/remove all the carbon build up, should I use brake cleaner/carb cleaner or soap and water? I already have the PV removed.

I've heard some guys scrubbing the cylinder down with a green scotch-brite in a cross hatch pattern, should I do this with the new rings or is it not necessary. Should I use soap and water, brake cleaner/carb cleaner, or dry when doing this?

any other information is greatly appreciated

 

[pscook]

Oven cleaner is pretty good, but protect the aluminum as it will etch through the paint and corrode the alloy if left for too long.

 

[jostby]

break one of the old rings and use it to scrape the ring grooves out. You don't want to put new rings in on top of any built up carbon, it won't let them expand properly. Make sure before fitting them on the piston that you put the rings in the cylinder by themselves (push them in square to the bore, use the piston to square them up) measure the ring gap with a feeler gauge and file them if necessary. I've had 2 sets that would have been too tight if left unattended.

 

[Jakobi]

I've found carb cleaner works a treat for removing the build up. Better than oven cleaner. Scotch brite actually make hones that will help with the deglaze, but can be done with some carb cleaner and elbow grease.

As stated, measure the end gaps.

 

[thejackrabbit]

on the crf that I rebuild and the kdx I just cleaned the bore really well with brake cleaner, should I just do this again and not scotch brite it?

 

[GasGasDreamer]

information only
I like to ring gap tool and discussion

http://www.na.vertexpistons.com/InstallationVideos.aspx?ItemID=39&page=1

http://www.na.vertexpistons.com/InstallationVideos.aspx?ItemID=40&page=1

http://www.na.vertexpistons.com/InstallationVideos.aspx?ItemID=49&page=1