Piston Ring Usage

[plagrone]

I have a 1986 Yamaha IT200s that I'm trying to prep for the cross country race at Barbers... I noticed the bottom gasket was leaking a little when I gave it some gas and it wasn't idling, so I tore it down to replace the gasket.

Well, somehow it was running with a shattered piston ring. The bore looks okay, but I accidentally ordered the .25-over rings... should I just file down the end gap a little or just run them like they're the right size? I'm going to hone the cylinder myself.

I'm thinking the end gaps might be in spec but we shall see... it's only .25 in diameter after all. Anythings better than a shattered ring  :P

[griff]

While the correct thing is always better to use, I don't see why it wouldn't work temporarily as long as you file the end gap correct.

[plagrone]

Well, I ground it down a bit. I'll report back with results

[DachshundUberAlles]

It's been done many a time over many a decade. As stated, just make sure to get the end gap right.