Oil ring gap orientation

[jstoezel]

Hi:

Is it critical to orient the oil ring gap towards the top?

I thought I remembered well, didn't bother taking a 3 min walk to get to the house to check the VW manual, installed the oil ring facing down (towards the road). Permatex-ed everything, cylinders, push rod tubes, torqued the heads. Then went in for a coffee break and WAM, turns out the manual says oil ring gap has to be oriented up.

Does this mean I have to disassemble everything, clean, goop up again etc...?

Oh and while I'm here: my cylinders on both sides never came with those air deflectors. There's a small one on each head, but none on the cylinders (they were never installed over 3 rebuilds with the same builder). Asked my engine builder and he said not required. Now everywhere I look it seems these plates are critical. What's everybody's opinion? I'm using Lynx style square cooling scoops.

Thanks,
Jean

[SR Racing]

Oil ring gap: Don't worry about it. They won't stay in that position long anyways. (BTW, if you have the 3 part rings, you really have 3 gaps.) If you have the 2 part ring you only have one. )

Does your engine/car cool from the top of the cylinders or the bottom?
You should have the deflectors installed.