[Vwdiesel] re-ring: piston ring brands

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

> Originally I was
>  planning to use total seal rings, but have heard from a few people that
>  they sometimes break, or never seat. I like the idea of the lack of a
>  piston gap, which might save a lot of money in the long run on oil loss
>  costs (is this significant, any experience?) I am also considering deves
>  rings, but have heard of breaking problems with them also. Any ideas or
>  recommendations? I have also been toying with the idea of an accusump
>  pe-oiler to provide oil before startup. Any suggestions?

  I'd certainly go with Total Seal.  I've put them in 3 of my/family's
diesels
so far and have them for the 5000 already.  I really wouldn't consider much
else for a long term engine.  You could use a good brand and have them
"total seal-ized" to save some money though.  I could feel the difference
in power on the Rabbit with them. Nothing substantial but noticeable.
Mileage went up a mile or so as well.  Oil stays a little cleaner and
blowby is almost non existent.  Oil usage follows the same patterns as
any other ring.  Proper honing and installation and it's very minimal.  Do
it wrong and they'll use oil and smoke.
  Breakage is from improper installation, ridges, carbon in the groves, etc,
IMO.  They aren't really tricky but you do have to do them right or you'll
break them when installing them.
  Not seating is probably from improper hone grit or break in.  I've not had
trouble breaking them in even on the Jetta, which was improperly honed.
It just smoked like mad after about 10K.  It was honed WAY too smooth.
  I like the looks of Preluber more than an Accusump.  Price is probably
similar new.  I picked one up on ebay for a tad over $100.  :)  Instead of
a reservoir it's a gear pump.  It runs until pressure is up, regardless of
how long that may or may not take.  It can be set up to "after run" to
cool down a turbo.  I plan to have mine wired to assist in the event of
low oil pressure such as in cornering.  I also have a problem with wet
timing belt slippage on the intermediate shaft.  That's the BIG reason
I'd set it to come on with low pressure.  I need to get that on as well
as the turbo.  Just hard to find the time anymore.  :P  5000 is still in
the front yard all pinto-like (as in the pony) waiting for a little more
sanding and paint.  :P
     Loren