I just bought a set of Hastings moly rings from autozone. I have a problem though, I don't know which compression ring is supposed to be on the top groove. I read the directions front to back (1 small page, which is mostly translations into other languages) and it only tells how to install the oil ring and which side of the ring faces up. One ring is completely flat black with a small bezel on the inside edge. The other ring is flat black, with what seems to be a shiny band around the edge (2 different metals), and a slightly larger bezel on the inside. If anyone can help I'd much appreciate it. Thanks.

Ryan

 

With my Hastings molly rings, the second compression ring had a small circle inprinted on the top side close to the end gap. It also had a bevel on one of the edges; don't remember which edge.


The first (top) compression ring had no markings and it didn't matter which way was up.

 

The ring with the "two metals" is your top ring. That other metal is the moly.

I also have Hastings rings and the top ring (with the moly) has no "up" or "down". The edge is convex. The second ring (as ZZ28ZZ said) has a taper on the outside edge. There should be a "dot" that faces up when installed on the piston. If not, just make sure the larger edge of the ring is on the bottom.

TOP
__
__\

BOTTOM

Like that

 

i'd say read the instructions and box again, i've never seen rings without some way of knowing whitch groove they went in.