Piston Rings
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Firebird and 2002 Chevrolet Camaro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Measurements of components should be taken with the components at normal room temperature.
NOTE:
DO NOT attempt to file the end of the piston ring for fit in the cylinder bore. Measure the piston ring in the cylinder in which the piston ring will be used.
- Place the piston ring into the cylinder bore. Push the piston ring into the bore 0.25" (6.5 mm) below the piston ring travel area. Insert a feeler gauge and measure the piston ring end gap. See PISTONS, PINS & RINGS SPECIFICATIONS table.
- Measure the piston ring-to-piston ring groove side clearance. Insert the edge of the piston ring into the piston ring groove. Roll the piston ring completely around the piston. If binding is caused by a distorted piston ring, replace the piston ring. If binding is caused by a distorted piston ring groove, MINOR ring groove imperfections may be removed with a fine file.
- Measure the piston ring side clearance with a feeler gauge. If side clearance is not within specifications, try another piston ring set. See PISTONS, PINS & RINGS SPECIFICATIONS table. If proper piston ring-to-piston ring groove side clearance cannot be achieved, replace the piston and pin assembly.
- When installing the piston rings onto the piston, use a ring expanding plier type tool. DO NOT roll the piston rings into the grooves of the piston. Use caution and care to expand the piston rings only slightly larger than the Outside Diameter (OD) of the piston.
- Using piston ring pliers, install the piston rings onto the piston. Install the oil control ring spacer in the groove. Install the lower oil control ring. The oil control rings DO NOT have a dimple or orientation mark and may be installed in either direction.
- Install the upper oil control ring. Stagger the 3 oil control ring end gaps a minimum of 90 degrees. Using piston ring pliers, install the lower compression ring. The lower compression ring has a dimple or orientation mark and must face the top of the piston.
- Using piston ring pliers, install the upper compression ring. The upper compression ring does not have a dimple or orientation mark and may be installed in either direction. Stagger the compression ring end gaps a minimum of 1.0" (25 mm). See Fig 1.