Gray Beard, thanks for your advice re the stuck ring. The piston is out of the engine. The ring is frozen to the piston. By the way, the engine is in excellent condition in every other way not sure why this is the way it is. I discovered it swapping out bearings. I've used acetone and mystery oil on the ring, both of which work just as well as transmission fluid, and liquid wrench. I think I'll need to break it off. Don't want to scratch the piston in the process. Helluva note actually. Never had one this stubborn in 35 years.

The ring I bought for the other 61 was genuine O.S. Hence the premium price. Yen is pretty strong right now. Regarding Tower I've dealt with them since the mid-70s. They have always been more than fair, very dependable, and although the prices are high compared to a few other vendors, they are my supply of nice ARFs and OS, to which I am addicted. I've had other engines, MANY other engines, and OS has been the most dependable for me. Like I said, just my opinion. Don't try to confuse me. I'm married to my opinion. But thanks again.