Piston Ring Installation 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.

CAUTION: Use a piston ring expander to install the piston rings. The rings may be damaged if expanded more than necessary.

Install the piston rings using a piston ring installer.

Fig 1: Installing Piston rings
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Properly orient the oil control ring expander as shown before installation. The ends of the expander must be facing toward the top of the piston.

Fig 2: Identifying Proper Oil Control Ring Expander Position
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the oil control piston ring spacer onto the piston.

Fig 3: Installing Oil Control Piston Ring Spacer
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the lower oil control piston ring onto the piston (1).

Fig 4: Installing Lower Oil Control Piston Ring
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the upper oil control piston ring onto the piston (1).

Fig 5: Installing Upper Oil Control Piston Ring
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Space the oil control piston ring end gaps (1, 2) a minimum of 90 degrees apart.

Fig 6: Spacing Oil Control Position End Gaps
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the lower compression piston ring onto the piston (1).
The mark on the side of the piston ring should face the top of the piston.
Install the upper compression piston ring onto the piston.
The top compression ring may be installed with either side up.

Fig 7: Installing Lower Compression Piston Ring
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Once the rings are installed, set the ring gaps for the oil control, second and top rings in the positions shown:
1. 9.1. Oil control ring expander and second compression ring gaps position 1.
2. 9.2. Upper oil control ring gap position 2.
3. 9.3. Top compression ring gap position 3.
4. 9.4. Lower oil control ring gap position 4.
Fig 8: Identifying Ring Gaps
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.