Before the new
Piston rings are to be installed, the ring end gap should be measured while the piston ring side clearance must be set. Position the piston/connecting rod assemblies, as well as the new ring sets to be matched with the correct piston and cylinder while measuring the end gap as well as during the actual engine assembly. Slide the top ring into the first cylinder with the piston top forcing it inward so that it fits adjacent the cylinder inner wall in close proximity to the bottom of the cylinder. Between the ends of the ring, insert feeler gauges until the correct gauge width is obtained, the gauge would slightly drag. If the gap is incorrect, ensure that the rings are correct before going any further. If the end clearance is too small, using a file carefully, thin the ring ends from the outside in to increase the amount of end gap while, too much end gap is not a problem provided it does not exceed 0.040-inch. Do this until all the rings are done in all the cylinders and ensure you have grouped the rings, pistons and cylinders. After the end gaps are inspected and adjusted, fit the rings to the pistons, the oil control ring comprises three sections. Place the spacer/expander into the groove and if present position the anti-rotation tang correctly, and finally screw in both the lower and upper side rails, it is advisable to use the piston ring installation tool in order not to damage it. Following the installation of the oil ring parts, rotate both side rails end to end in the groove. After that, use the middle ring placing it in a proper manner with the identification mark facing upward, as the manufacturer's guidelines installed the top and the middle rings interchangeably. Last but not the least; put the top ring also in the similar way making sure that the mark is facing up, do this for all the pistons and rings.