The Hodaka Club Forum

Hello!,
I’ve been around here awhile. Had to redo my account since it’s been a bit. I’m back on a project. First time rebuild. 71 b+. I redid the bottom, forks, new tires, nothing cosmetic. Anyway I’m ready to move on to the top end and as I’m sure you know it seems to be difficult to find stock rings? Any help would be appreciated. Get this top end on and I can fire her up! I have a 68 daily driver also.
Thanks

Columbus Ohio

This from an old post. Hope it helps.

I just don`t want to step on Terry`s toes! But seeing as how all he has are +.030 Model 92 rings I will. I had to make sure these rings fit first and they do. Perfectly! I was missing Ring #2 for my +.020 Model 92 Piston. Ordered one. PERFECT FIT! These rings are plain Iron. Here we go. Caber Piston Rings. EBAY seller dandrikop. For Standard Piston Rings you Type in: Piston Ring 50 x 2mm Chainsaw Trimmer Brushcutter. For +.020 Rings you Type in 50,5 x 2mm. He lists the +.020 with a comma for whatever reason. REMEMBER! The NPR +.030 rings Terry has are Superior to anything made! The Top ring is Chrome Faced and Ring #2 is Moly Inlaid. For +.030 Rings get them from Terry. They will out live the Italian Caber Rings that are Plain Iron! BUT due to the shortage of Model 92 Rings, I`m just happy as a Clam to have found them! Joe Ormonde.

Okay thanks. This item here? https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 0910841474
I

Couldn’t you use .030 rings and file them back to get the correct ring gap? Victor

Original poster's question...

Where to buy rings?

I found this recent post. Copied it and pasted it.

I think the eBay link looks right, but not certain.

Partly because I don't know what size piston you have.

If you have standard size piston, meaning not oversize, probably yes.... This is it.

If you have a plus size piston the old post indicates you can buy plus sizes from this supplier also.

Keep in mind that these rings reportedly fit ART brand pistons, only.

Not sure what you have? Email me.

I've seen your '68 Ace at Lucky's Market. I'm a couple miles up high Street.

I've got the measuring instruments & the Ace Shop Manual. You want to bring me your cylinder & piston I'll try to clarify what you've got.

186 Amazon Place, 43214.

Hi Al, I believe it’s a standard size piston. All I have are calipers to measure, bit all attempts landed right close to 50, but I’ve never done this and I want it proper. Well how about that another Hodaka person right up the street. If your available and willing to help I’d be grateful. Thanks.

Yes, I think I can be of help. I've done cylinder and piston gaging & honing work on my b+. My advice & measurements are no charge.
You may text me at 439-2406. Columbus area code.

After a trip over to see Al for some measurements I ordered the above mentioned rings. Gasket set next! Thanks

Hi reading my manual about install and have a question. What’s the “steel expander ring”? I didn’t see anything when the rings were removed.

It is a thin, rigid, octagonal wire that fits in the ring groove between the piston and ring. Its spring action presses the ring against the cylinder wall and it provides protection from the ring getting stuck.

Wildzebra:

Based on the size and condition of your piston & cylinder, I'd call this "ring helper" optional.

When I installed a new piston & ring set in my Suzuki A100 I became frustrated with this thin corrugated piece & pitched it. The Suzuki runs okay.

My advice: "fraggetaboutit". With what you're working with it's a detail.

Thanks Al!, when I removed the rings I did not see this part. I only realized it when I reread over the manual that I saw it in the diagram. Thanks! I’ll probably have a few more questions. I’ll just text you if that’s okay. I found another set of petcocks FYI