The attached picture is from a 914 guide Any way to confirm ring configuration? This is not what I was thinking and nothing close to how the rings were originally installed. It DOES make sense to put the oil ring gap at top as the engine lays on its side. But the oil "ring" is actually two rings (upper and lower). Should the two be configured to one gap, or offset a little to minimize oil consumption? Also,there's an arrow on the Pistons. Does it point to the front or rear of the engine? Thanks!

Rings rotate during engine operation. I still stagger them during installation, but realize that as soon as the engine runs they're gonna go wherever they want.

You always want to stagger your ring gaps. For starters, you are trying to avoid placing a ring gap over a wrist pin hole. That's number one.

Secondly, your compression and napier rings should be offset from each other, say 120-180 degrees.

Your oil ring, like the ones that are comprised of three pieces, whould also have their joints staggered.

Don't worry about which way the engine points and all that. Not important. Just make sure the rings are staggered.

AND OH, on a flat engine OF ANY KIND make sure none of the ring joints are at the BOTTOM of the cylinder barrel or it WILL burn oil on startup, because it will allow oil to leak into the cylinder when at rest.

http://www.diagnosticengineers.org/journal...edge%20Gaps.php