I figured out the real reason for my engine problems. The dumb ass that forgot to tighten the rear end bolts didn't do one of the basic checks when building this engine. I didn't check the ring end gap assuming the manufacture gave me the standard gap 4.030 rings I ordered. To make a long story short I installed 4.020 rings in a 4.030 bore. The box had 4.030 on it but that's not what was inside. How did I figure this out? Well, I was playing with the new block and rings and noticed that the gap seemed a little tight. The gap measured .014 which is OK. then for fun I put in the old rings in the old block and got .046. I took the ring out and closed it up with a .020 feeler gauge in between the end gap and measured the ring outside and got 4.020. This explanes the ring ends scratching the bores. This also explains why the ring had to be streatch out to fit the pistons. What did I learn? Always check everything don't rely on any manufacture to get it right for me!!!!!
Experience is the best and, most of the time, the most expensive teacher. Thanks for the reminder to be thorough. I really appreciate it.
