Took the top end apart tonight to change out the rings and found a suprise.
Under the lower piston ring, I found a thin wafer like ring. In all my years of dirtbike riding/overhauling I have never seen or heard of such a thing.( Not that 'that' means anything......)
It appears as if it would apply more outward force on that ring to assist in sealing..???
The manual makes no mention of such a beast. Then again my manual is for a 200 not a 220..
buykawasaki.com does show it for the 220...
Two Questions..
1. What's it for??
2. Does it belong under the 2nd ring
or under the 1st ring.?
It is a ring expander and is more of a problem than good. These ring expanders have been used since the early 70's and have caused lots of stuck rings.
When replacing pistons and rings, we use to take them out of the box and throw them away (never using them)
They gum up and that turns into carbon...... I would not recommend using them.
BTW, 'under' means 'underneath'..not 'under' as in below from a top-to-bottom direction.
That's clear as mud, huh?
OK..it's not like an oil control ring rail (one above and one below) on a 4-stroke engine. It's a crimpy looking thing that exerts pressure on the second ring.
Originally posted by canyncarvr BTW, 'under' means 'underneath'..not 'under' as in below from a top-to-bottom direction.
That's clear as mud, huh?
OK..it's not like an oil control ring rail (one above and one below) on a 4-stroke engine. It's a crimpy looking thing that exerts pressure on the second ring.
It's a 'stretchy' piece of thin metal...looks like it's had a recent permanent (as in hair) or crimp job. 'Stretchy' meaning not that it actually stretches of course, but its diameter isn't particularly an issue cuz it's springy.
You could take the ends and easily pull it relatively straight.
As noted, they are common. Also as noted, commonly tossed.