What happens if piston ring gaps are aligned during a differential-pressure compression check?

When piston ring gaps are aligned during a differential-pressure compression check, it can lead to issues indicative of worn or defective rings. Normally, properly installed piston rings have their gaps staggered to ensure better sealing and prevent excessive leakage of combustion gases or loss of compression.

If the ring gaps are aligned, it can create a direct path for gases to escape from the combustion chamber, resulting in reduced cylinder pressure and potentially misinformative readings during the pressure check. This condition can signify that the rings are either too worn to function effectively or not sealing properly, which stems from poor installation or damage. Therefore, checking the alignment of piston ring gaps is an important part of ensuring the integrity and performance of the engine's compression system.