Piston rings

[stephan]

I'm a bit torn on what to do.

I have my engine torn down to the pistons replacing a leaky base seal.  On one hand I should probably replace the piston rings.  On the other hand I'm short on cash because I've already bought a bunch of other stuff for the bike.  

Along those lines whoever decided a head gasket is worth $30 has lost their mind . . .  

Anyway the cheapest I can find rings is on Bike Bandit and they're $27 to do one piston.  

Anyone have any ideas?  Do I really need to replace the rings?  Do I need the piston ring tool?  Anyone know where they sell cheaper rings?

help?   :dunno:    

[cernunos]

That's always a trump question when it comes to motors. I always re-ring when the pistons are out...unless of course I had just done them and then had to pull pistons for some other reason. The Baby GS uses an expander with rails for oil control and that set-up (which is used on just about any automobile also) is not conducive to re-sealing once removed from the cylinders. In fact, most ring manufacturers tell you to replace the expanders if the pistons are removed from the cylinders for any reason. If there are many miles at all you might as well do it. Love the little twin and this forum.

C.......

[Blueknyt]

clean the head gasket up really good, get all the black stuff OFF both sides, then once clean and free of any oils and dirt, spray it down on both sides with a coating of Spray copper gasket sealer. let it dry abit and set it inplace. Now, the only other issues is those 4 Orings that go between head and cyl.  ive got about 300 miles on new rings in current engine and its starting to leak from one. Do not reuse them unless you really have no choice,  Anyone found a source to get them new?Cheap?