[Vwdiesel] Rabbit Piston Rings.

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

  :(  Sounds like you'd better get another set of rings and start over.  You
should check EACH and EVERY ring for fit.  Generally if a few fit fine then
you're safe but if ANY are marginal or don't fit then it's an absolute MUST.
  Never drive a piston in.  I wouldn't use heavy grease either.  You should
be able to tap then into the hole with the handle of a hammer.  If they don't
tap in then stop, reset the compression tool and try again.
  Be sure you set your ring gaps 180 from each other as you go up or
down the piston.  Put them 90 to the wrist pin except in the case of
a 3 piece oil ring, which is different.  There should be instructions with
the rings.  Also be sure you have the correct side up.
  I use a slightest film of moly grease on the skirts only and then only on
the main contact area.  The wrist pin sides are narrower so don't really
contact.  I actually put the rings in dry as per Total Seal instructions.
The
cylinder can have a film of oil from preventing rust and so forth.  Idea
probably is partly that oil around the rings can turn to carbon and cause
problems with sticking rings.
  Be patient but you have to get this right and with new rings.
     Loren