[Vwdiesel] fitting my rings

[Bart Wineland]

I have been going through the archives gathering what I can to do my 
cylinder hone and ring job on '86 na hydraulic engine. Had a couple small 
questions that I could not find there so forgive me if this is a tired 
subject.  Not much of a ridge in my cylinders and hoping I can clean it up 
with the 3 stone hone. I have access to a ridge reamer but I don't think it 
will be necessary. Per Bentley I took out the old top compression ring of 
one of my pistons and slid it down towards the bottom of the cylinder to 
measure the gap/wear.  It is way over the 1mm limit so that has me feeling 
better about the chances that this will help with my oil 
consumption/smoking. Not sure how on a fresh "rebuild" with 25k miles the 
rings can be that worn?  I have a cheap set of expanding T gauges. Not the 
easiest things to get accurate reading with but every measurement I can get 
says the cylinders are within limits of original bore. The cylinder walls 
are very shiny with no trace of a crosshatch. Received my new standard size 
rings on Friday. One of my questions, the second compression ring has "top" 
marked on it but the top compression rings do not. From that I am thinking 
the top ring can go in either way? From archives I think I am clear on 
hone/crosshatch, making sure the head bolt holes are absolutely clean as 
well as the block deck and head surface. I have not taken the head to have 
it checked. I know it makes sense to do while it is off but the prices I 
was quoted to go through it correctly make it out of the question at this 
time anyhow.  There are no cracks between the valves that I can see and I 
am hoping for the best there. I am replacing the rod bearings and belts 
including timing while it is out because they are cheap. I have new 
headbolts/gaskets/belts coming anytime. I guess my other question is there 
anything  I am missing that would make sense to do now? I would love to get 
rid of the stupid ac compressor since I have no need for it but don't see 
an easy way to belt the alternator without it.
Hope she runs again. Thanks for all the help.

Bart