Smoking engine

[Bob Culver]

Although not oil rings, I have noticed on other cars at least some brands of ci rings (not advertised as SGI) seem to be stressed beyond the elastic limit when just expanded to the absolute minimum.  The free  gap idecreases after insertion in a bore. Some ci seems to have a degree of ducticlity. Maybe the rings were opened too wide. Now useless so it would be interesting to see if these ductile and how far can be opened before snap.
Few (even Seven owners) get to see a lot of new rings at low mileage but wear I have seen always quite regular.

Very good of you to publish outcme. Too many posts fizzle which discourages much effort in responses.