broken top compression ring

Posted by waynej On 2013/10/15 21:14:53

Have pulled the head and pistons from my 51 Patrician which had low compression on one cylinder and found very bad exhaust valve seat. I have found 4 or 5 top compression rings broken. What would cause this ring to break? Also, I was using non-detergent oil in this engine, but now that it's apart and cleaned out (in chassis), I am considering using detergent oil with a zinc additive. Any ideas regarding broken ring and oil issues? Thanks

Wayne