Piston Ring

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check the piston ring for damage, excessive wear, and breakage. Replace if defects are evident. If the piston has been replaced, the piston rings must also be replaced.
Check for clearance between the piston ring and ring groove. If it exceeds the limit, replace the ring or piston, or both.
Standard value:

Number 1: 0.03 - 0.07 mm (0.0012 - 0.0027 inch)

Number 2: 0.02 - 0.06 mm (0.0008 - 0.0023 inch)

Limit: 0.1 mm (0.003 inch)

Fig 1: Checking Piston Ring For Damage
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Insert the piston ring into the cylinder bore. Force the ring down with a piston, the piston crown being in contact with the ring, to correctly position it at right angles to the cylinder wall. Then, measure the end gap with a feeler gauge. If the ring gap is excessive, replace the piston ring.
Standard value:

< With variable induction system >

Number 1: 0.25 - 0.35 mm (0.010 - 0.014 inch)

Number 2: 0.35 - 0.50 mm (0.014 - 0.020 inch)

Oil: 0.10 - 0.35 mm (0.004 - 0.014 inch)

< Without variable induction system >

Number 1: 0.30 - 0.45 mm (0.012 - 0.018 inch)

Number 2: 0.45 - 0.60 mm (0.018 - 0.024 inch)

Oil: 0.20 - 0.60 mm (0.008 - 0.024 inch)

Limit:

Number 1, Number 2: 0.8 mm (0.03 inch)

Oil: 1.0 mm (0.03 inch)

Fig 2: Measuring End Gap With Feeler Gauge
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION