Piston Ring Side Clearance Measurement Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora and 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Roll the piston ring entirely around the piston ring groove. If any binding is caused by the ring groove, dress the groove with a fine file. If any binding is caused by a distorted piston ring, replace the ring.
- With the piston ring on the piston, use feeler gages to check side clearance at multiple locations.
- Compare your measurements with those found in the engine mechanical specifications.
- If the clearance is greater than specifications, replace the piston rings.
- If new piston rings do not bring the clearance within specification, the piston must be replaced.
- When replacing the piston rings, only install re-ring sets that have a 1.2 mm (0.047 in) thick nitrided steel upper compression ring and multi-piece oil rings. The top compression ring may be installed with either side up. There is a locating dimple on the 2nd compression ring near the end for identification of the top side. Install the 2nd compression ring with the dimple facing up.