Piston Rings

Installation

PROCEDURE

1. Before installing new piston rings, check the end gap. It is assumed that the side clearance between the ring and the groove land has already been checked and meets specifications (see subsection 3.1.2.9).
2. Lay out the pistons with connecting rods and the new piston rings so that each ring set corresponds to the cylinder in which the end gap will be measured.

3. Insert the top ring into the first cylinder and push it in with the piston crown so that the ring is square to the cylinder axis. The ring must be in the lower part of the cylinder, at the position corresponding to bottom dead center.

4. Measure the piston ring end gap with feeler gauges. The gap equals the total thickness of the feeler gauges inserted into it. The feeler gauges should slide into the gap with light force. Compare the result with the specified value. If the gap is larger or smaller than specified, recheck the ring selection.
5. If the gap is too small, replace the rings. Do not increase the ring end gap by filing the ring ends.
6. The gap must not exceed the upper limit specified in subsection 3.1.2.1. Recheck that the rings are correct for your engine.
7. Repeat the measurements for each ring installed in the first cylinder and for each ring installed in the other cylinders. Store pistons and rings so that they are installed in the same cylinder in which the end gap was measured.
8. After selecting the rings and measuring the end gap, the rings can be installed on the pistons.

9. Install the oil control ring first (the lowest ring on the piston). This ring consists of three components. Install the spacer/expander into the groove. If the piston has a locating pin that prevents the ring from rotating on the piston, make sure the pin is seated in the hole inside the piston groove.

10. Install the lower oil control rail. Do not use a ring installer when fitting oil control rails, as they may break. Insert one end of the rail into the piston groove, between the spacer and the horizontal land of the groove. Holding that end firmly in the groove, work the other end into the groove with your finger.
11. Install the second oil control rail in the same way.
12. After installing all oil control ring components, make sure the upper and lower rails rotate freely in the groove.
13. Next, install the middle ring (No. 2). This ring has a mark stamped on it that must face the piston crown.

* Always follow the instructions on the piston ring packaging. Different manufacturers may use different markings for correct ring orientation. Do not confuse the top and bottom compression rings, as they have different cross-section profiles.

14. Install the piston ring expander tool, make sure the marks face the piston crown, and move the corresponding ring into the middle groove of the piston. Do not spread the ring ends farther apart than necessary to pass over the piston.
15. Install the top compression ring in the same way. Make sure the marks face up. Do not confuse the top and bottom compression rings.
16. Install the rings on the remaining pistons in the same way.