Before replacing the
Piston rings check the ring end gap, to ensure that the piston ring side clearance is alright. Sort out the piston/connecting rod assemblies and the new rings to pair with the correct piston and cylinder during end gap measurement as well as engine manufacturing. Place the first ring onto the first cylinder such that it is parallel to the cylinder walls using the piston head placing it near the bottom of the cylinder and pressing it in. To determine the end gap, place feeler gauges against the ends of the ring until the correct one that allows the ring to move with slight friction is obtained. If the gap is incorrect, ensure the rings are correct before moving further a head. If the end gap is not sufficient, take the ring ends and gradually slim down the ring gently from the external side in order to widen the end gap while on the other extreme an excess of end gap is not such a big issue provided it does not surpass 0.040 inch. Perform this for each of the rings in all the cylinders with the rings, pistons, and cylinders to be matched. After the end gaps have been identified and adjusted, carry out the assembly of the rings on the piston, in order of the oil control ring which is made up of three parts. Place spacer/expander into groove, if anti-rotation tang is required, place it in next; then install lower and upper side rails, although a piston ring installation tool may be used to do so the side rails must not be damaged by it. Once the oil ring components have been installed, make sure than both side rail can rotate with a smooth gliding motion in the groove they have been installed in. Subsequently, the middle ring is placed with the corresponding identification up, using the piston ring installation tool while not expanding it. Lastly, set the top ring in the same process while directing the mark upward and continue the process to the other pistons and their rings, but strictly adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines or chart on which side of the rings top or middle.