Piston Rings
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue and 2002 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Check piston rings end gap and side clearance. Check ring bore by depressing ring into cylinder using an inverted piston. See PISTONS, PINS & RINGS table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. Lubricate pistons and rings with clean oil. Install rings onto pistons. Stagger ring gaps. See Fig 1.