top ring for a second ring?

Long story short,I'm short a second ring but have extra top rings on a total seal file fit sets.Can I use a top ring for the second ring on one cylilinder? to me they look the same and are the same size but different material.I hate to have to buy another set if I really don't have to.

I wouldn't do it. You can buy a single ring.

I have never tried it, but I would think it would depend on the type of rings you are using, if it is just a cheap set of iron rings, and they have bevels on the inside of the ring, just flip the extra top ring put the bevel down. On all rings I have used the bevel faces up on the top rind and down on the second ring. If it has a moly barrel face ring with no bevels then I don't think I would try it. Most companies will sell a set for one cylinder.

Awful lot of work and expense if it doesn't work...

Single rings are sold everyday. Probably moly top cast second but it should say on the box.

Yep Ill look around town. Nothing from the internet that I can find. Top is molly second cast

What size is it. Maybe one of us have one.

4.360 1/16" speed pro cr6490 45

Don't do it! The second ring is a scraper ring that does more to control oil than seal compression. It will likely burn oil like crazy if you do.

It happened to me a few years back on a friends 360 and when we ordered the single ring it was about 1/2 the price of the full set which sucked

Call Total seal direct and tell them you had one broken ring in the set when you opened it
I had one of there rings break while trying to install it years ago, it broke where a bubble was in the ring
Stuff happens, no one or company is perfect, yet

I found a single cylinder kit at summit for 30 bucks shipped. I didn't think it was a good idea but had to ask. Thanks all!

generally speaking, top and 2nd rings have inside chamfers that are in a different position between the two. they're made to work in different directions. some cheaper ring don't have the chamfers. this is the reason that rings are stamped with a "pip" mark to keep the chamfers in their proper location.

Other than the ring material I can't see a difference between the two in this set. Readers on and holding them up to a light. the bevel must be microscopic.

the bevel is to the inside. look to see if the rings have a pip mark.

Some top rings have a barrel face, some don't.
Most 2nd rings have a reverse taper on the inside, some don't

DO NOT interchange rings as their cross sectional shape, as well as the tensions, gaps, coatings and OD shapes are different. Rings are a science.

I currently work for a major global piston ring manufacturer.

I might have some extras. I'll look when I get home


Never mind, they are the -35 part number, sorry.

The 4.355 bore size file to fit rings may fit perfectly in the 4.360
I wouldn't hesitate to try them to see if they will fit with little or no grinding on the ends to make them fit in the 4.360 bore
OP, use a bright light under the ring to see if any light shows between the ring and the cylinder wall with the ring squared up in the bore
if is does show light don't use it