Aftermarket rings

[KitNYC]

So, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna have to pull the head off this "new" motor and do rings, valve seals, or both. Not sure when I'm going to be able to afford parts or downtime, but it's either that or keep pouring oil in twice a week...

Anyway, as I'm sure I've mentioned a bajillion times, cost is a concern. So is the quality of certain Triumph parts: I don't trust their rubber, and I've grown to doubt the quality of their oil control rings.

I have found a source of aftermarket valve seals on eBay.

I recall someone (Oldndumb?) mentioning aftermarket rings eons ago, but I can't remember from where and search isn't helping.

So, long story slightly less long, does anybody know where to get aftermarket rings for a 955, or what the specs are to take to a ring shop that doesn't know Trumpets?

Thanks,
-Kit

[Bruce C]

Oil is cheap!!!

[KitNYC]

O2 sensors aren't, and I'm starting to think mine is going from all the oil. Not to mention one long day in the saddle could drain the sump dry at this rate!

Cheers,
-Kit

[ThomasM]

Kit, when I win the Lottery one of the first things I'm gonna do is buy you a NEW bike! If anyone deserves it, it's you...

[pushr0d]

Kit, have you done a look-see and/or a leak-down compression test? It might not be the rings.

It could be one or more 'blown' valve guide seals.

[oldndumb]

Hmm, I don't recall anything re aftermarket rings. I do remember posting a caution re bogus aftermarket brake pads.

Anyway, I'm sure you've found by now that sources for 955 rings, and therefore 1050 also, are not easily found. If it were me, I'd contact http://www.triumph-ant.co.uk/index.html and ask their advice re ring sources.

If you do end up deciding on a re-ring job, you need to include consideration as to the cylinder hone method. And remember that the oil control rings are fragile and easily broken during installation. Break one and look forward to buying another complete set!

Another time consuming way to go about it would be to measure the pistons and then study all of the ring manufacturer catalogs for a compatible set. Even at that, you could still strike out.

I've had Porsches and BMW's for which I could research OEM manufacturer part numbers, such as pumps, regulators, etc and did not need to go to the dealer for parts. Extremely difficult to do the same for some Triumph parts, especially engine parts.

Regarding the opinion of Triumph rubber goods, I would not include that opinion to valve stem seals as they are from a different source. The rotting rubber is usually battery and relay straps. And speaking of valve stem seals, do you have any visuals such as smoke and if so, what color?

I have never tried this, but these guys offer to locate parts http://www.enginedynamics.com/partFinder.shtml

[triplestrength]

Get a compression test done, it seems odd to me that 2 engines that dont normally burn much oil both do it in your bike.
I'm not saying that its not burning oil just find out how!
And good luck because you've not had much lately!

Sent from my GT-I9100P using Motorcycle.com Free App

[thap8riot]

Originally Posted by pushr0d

Kit, have you done a look-see and/or a leak-down compression test? It might not be the rings.

It could be one or more 'blown' valve guide seals.

Since you mentioned that and I too am burning a decent bit of oil, can you tell me how that works? Does oil seep in to the cylinder from the head when the valve seals are shot? Sorry if that's a really stupid question. I know enough about the motor to be dangerous, but not in the detail some of you guys do.

[IN10SS]

Did you do a compression test, Kit? Do you know the trick about doing the test, then putting a squirt of oil into the cylinder and re-doing it? If no change it's mostly guides/seals, if significant change, its' rings. The oil fills the gap around the rings increasing the seal for the duration of the test, helping you diagnose. Wish it was something easier!

[KitNYC]

Thanks, everybody!

I finally found my compression tester, then discovered there's no 10mm adapter in it so it's not very useful. A friend offered to weld one up from one of my plugs, but he's hard to get in touch with ever since his next door neighbor kicked her husband out... So yeah, compression test with and without oil is on the list, but just hasn't happened yet.

Originally Posted by triplestrength

Get a compression test done, it seems odd to me that 2 engines that dont normally burn much oil both do it in your bike.

Two? Make that three; the original engine burned oil as well.

I have had a peek down the plug holes; the cylinder tops look black and wet. I do have smoke, which looks grey to me.

I guess I may as well measure the pistons from the old motor, one of these nights when I have nothing better to do. I'll definitely drop Sandy a line first, though!

Thanks,
-Kit