How do I know if my rings are bad?
 

OK, I have the motor on an engine stand, everything is removed except the pistons and the crank. I rolled the motor over to remove the pan and the remaining oil in the pan and motor collected in the cylinders and ran out around the rings with the motor upside down. Does this meen they are bad? Is there a way to test them without the head on the motor as I do not have the head at this time it is at the machine shop. Any help?

Seems that if you have it down that far it might pay ya to just throw new ones in anyway?

I agree. Perhaps I am receiving some bunk info. I am being told that most likely the cylinders will need to bored out and I need to buy new pistons and rings. If I can deglaze the cylinder and put new rrings in then I'm all over it. I was just wondering if anyone new of way to check them with the motor tore down to this point. I appreciate everyones input.
Thanks

i would deglaze the cylinders and put new rings in anyway. It would be wise to take a few cylinder measurements, ie diameter in several places to check for excessive wear, as long as the measurements are within spec no boring or new pistons will be needed. Check pistons too.

Roger that, thanks for the info. Sounds like the best course of action. Hate to put all back together and then find that problem.

If you can still see the cross hatching on the cylinder walls you can safely assume they don't need boring out.

10-4. The cross hatching is still there. Looks like a de-glaze and some new rings. Any suggestions on where to buy rings or is that something that is pretty hard to go wrong on?

I personally like to use Cummins parts especially if it's hard to get at.
Rings would definitely qualify.