Hello! I'm building up a "plain vanilla" 2bbl, 77 318 truck engine. I'm confused as to the correct locations, relative to the piston, of the oil rail expander gap, oil rail end gaps, and, the end gaps of the compression rings.
The machinist who did my work has one arrangement, the Mopar shop manual has another, the Don Taylor Small Block Mopar book another(and an alternate too!,the army TM ( it's in an army ambulance)reprints the factory info.,a different auto machinist still another method... boy am I confused.
All agree though,except the Don Taylor alternate method, that the oil rail expander ends meet over wrist pin, facing forward.
My concern is,I want a strong running,long lasting engine. I know in engine design,power stroke down thrust, upstroke piston travel,cylinder oiling(and cooling)are all considerations here, end gaps are important. I don't want premature wear,or blow-by.
What are your recommendations?
Thanks!