Piston Ring Selection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Measure Piston Ring End Gap

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Insert the piston ring (122) into the cylinder 15-20 mm (0.6-0.8 in) (a) from the bottom of the bore.
Measure the piston ring end gap (b) with a feeler gage.
1. If the gap is too small, check to see if you have the proper rings for the application.
2. If the gap is too large, check the cylinder bore diameter against the wear limits. Refer to Engine Block Cleaning and Inspection .
3. If the bore diameter exceeds the service limit, the cylinder block must be bored and fitted with oversize pistons and piston rings.
  Specification:
  - Piston ring end gap - top ring - production: 0.2-0.35 mm (0.008-0.014 in)
  - Piston ring end gap - second ring - production: 0.4-0.55 mm (0.016-0.022 in)
  - Piston ring end gap - oil ring - production: 0.2-0.7 mm (0.008-0.028 in)
  - Piston ring end gap - top ring - service limit: 0.6 mm (0.024 in)
  - Piston ring end gap - second ring - service limit: 0.7 mm (0.028 in)
  - Piston ring end gap - oil ring - service limit: 0.8 mm (0.031 in)