Probably a daft question, but you have thought about the ridge that forms at 
the top of the ring travel, haven't you? If your fingernail can discern it, 
then it should be removed or feathered to avoid breaking the nice new top 
ring ;o))

regards,

Kim Siddorn

<> wrote in message 
news:efbdc134-1271-471b-8d78-19263ef22995@p25g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
> On Apr 19, 8:28 pm, Peter A Forbes  wrote:
>> On Sat, 19 Apr 2008 12:11:45 -0700 (PDT), matt.b...@gmail.com wrote:
>>
>> >Thanks Peter, Im glad i asked.
>>
>> >Do you know why the top one is chromed? out of interest.
>>
>> Better wear characteristics in the hottest part of the bore. The 
>> relatively low
>> levels of lubrication at that point, together with the very high 
>> temperatures
>> and direct contact with the combustion flame and by-products makes it a
>> difficult job for plain cast iron rings.
>>
>> Is yours a Series I or Series II engine?
>>
>> Peter
>> --
>> Peter & Rita Forbes
>> Email: 
>> die...@easynet.co.ukhttp://www.oldengine.org/members/dieselhttp://www.stationary-engine.co.ukhttp://www.oldengine.co.uk
>
> Ahh, that makes sense. Its a Series II. It was running fine but I had
> to take off the block to get it in the engine room of our barge. Two
> of the rings were broken and the third was gummed up. I thought I was
> in for a hunt but Sleeman and Hawkins had some on the shelf!
>
> cheers again
>
> Matt
>