Broken compression rings

Hi! I've got a '79 1100 Golf L (I live in South Africa). I've had a problem with oil being thrown up from the crankcase breather into the air filter (this problem has been covered extensively!) Today, when I stripped the engine down and took the pistons out I found the the first compression ring on all 4 pistons is broken- in two or three pieces. Any one got any bright ideas as to why/how this ould have happened? I only put these new rings in about a year ago! :dontknow:  PS. Here in SA the Golf1 two door is like gold! All the young guys want them to do them up- GTI engine, new interior etc… Some really look great!

they are easily broken when putting them in so could potentially have been when you replaced them a year ago?

That's what I've been thinking. Oh well, bought some new ones yesterday- going to install them today. Wish me luck!

has it been burning oil since you replaced them would be a good indication of wether or not you broke them when installing them? just take your time this time round and try not to force anything into place.... good luck. :y:

Put it all back yesterday…VERY careful with the rings…and started it today. Went well- no oil burning etc. Problem now is that the thread is damaged on spark plug #1. So, it's off to get a repair kit for that! Thanks for the help!

Got a helicoil repair kit and fixed the thread. Now the car goes like a new one! The engine is purring and has power and lots of go! Hasn't run like this for years! Hope it stays like this for a looong time to come!

good to hear. you never know with compression rings but of  a pain in the arse only way to check you didn't break em is to take em' out lol! so glad it all went well.

Best not to thrash it while the rings are bedding in though also break the glaze on the bore, probably a bit late for that now