I measured the end gap of the (old) servo piston ring both outside .009" and inside the groove .019".
It's a long ways beyond the .012" limit stated in a previous post
.
I know it was sugguested I use a new ring, but I measured the old one and it was 88mm (+- 0.10mm accuracy of my caliper) when compressed so it doesn't appear to be worn much if at all.
I did manage to find someone on the internet who makes custom piston rings to spec for about $25 a piece:
http://www.dol.net/~dave.reed/rangcast.htm
They can make them with the ends step or angle cut as opposed to the standard straight cut.
So i guess my options are remove the transmission and:
1) get another transmission/case - => $350
2) bore/hone B2 cylinder slightly and get custom ring made - <$100
3) bore/hone B2 cylinder significantly and get later model transmission B2 (92mm) - I'd need to buy an servo piston and ring from MB and get a machine shop to bore the cylinder. $???
4) bore/hone B2 cylinder significantly and get a sleeve pressed in for 88mm B2 piston/ring I already have - I'd have to find a machine shop bore the cylinder and press in a sleeve which would then need a oil port cut in it. $???
I like option 2 or 1 in that order. What do you think?