Zero Clearance Side Seals

[Barry Bordes]

I like to set up my side seals as tight a practical. There are different thoughts on this minimum spec.
I have seen recommendations from .002” -.004” for turbo applications.

On my last engine build-up I mistakenly switched two side seals causing a
.002” clearance. This resulted in scrapping the RE front plate because of a
.004” wear groove on it in the area of combustion (where heat/expansion is greatest).

I decided to try .000”! Found this in an early Mazda paper.

What do you think?
Barry