piston rings

[David Watson]

Hi everyone.
I have a set of piston rings for a Z1000 A1, 1977.
the top ring does not have a "N" stamped on it to indicate top side.
is this ring a universal fit as both sides of the piston ring are the same
the second ring does have a "N" stamped on it, but this is on the same side as the groove which according to the service manual should be on the under side when installed. this means the "N" is not on the top side of the piston ring.
could this just be a case of faulty stamping by the manufacturer.
any advise on this would be help full.
thanks Dave.
Perth, Scotland.

[Philippe]

Hi David

what brand are the piston rings you have? Are they Kawasaki OEM or from another manufacturer? I don't think they're OEM.
The top ring (fire ring) can mostly be mounted anyway you want. The second ring (compression ring) should be mounted with the N upside.
The groove can be on the top or on the bottom side, it depends on which side of the ring the "nose" is located.
If the manufacturer puts an N on the same side of the groove I think it's OK.
The oil rings must be mounted according to the instructions of the manufacturer.
Start with the oil rings, than the compression ring and finally the fire ring.
Good luck
GrtZ
Philippe

[David Watson]

thanks for the reply Philippe.
I've been thinking about the second ring. the service manual shows the groove in the piston ring on the under side next to the cylinder wall,
my piston ring has the groove on the piston side of the ring not the cylinder wall side.
so I'm going to install the second ring with both the "N" and the groove facing up.
again thanks for your help
David.

[kev edwards]

in the factory manual the second ring has the n and notched inner facing up, i guess this may help it push out against the cylinder walls under compression.