Piston Rings: Installation

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.

NOTE: The identification mark on face of upper and intermediate piston rings must point toward top of piston.

Install rings with manufacturers identification mark facing up, to the top of the piston. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Piston Ring Installation

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - NO. 1 PISTON RING

2 - NO. 2 PISTON RING

3 - SIDE RAIL

4 - OIL RING

5 - SPACER EXPANDER

CAUTION: Install piston rings in the following order:

Oil ring expander.
Upper oil ring side rail.
Lower oil ring side rail.
No. 2 Intermediate piston ring.
No. 1 Upper piston ring.

Install oil ring expander. See Fig 1.
Install upper side rail first and then the lower side rail. Install the side rails by placing one end between the piston ring groove and the oil ring expander. Hold end firmly and press down the portion to be installed until side rail is in position. Do not use a piston ring expander. See Fig 2 .

Fig 2: Installing Side Rail
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - SIDE RAIL END
Install No. 2 piston ring and then No. 1 piston ring. See Fig 1.
Position piston ring end gaps as shown in Fig 3.
Position oil ring expander gap at least 45° from the side rail gaps but not on the piston pin center or on the thrust direction. Staggering ring gap is important for oil control.

Fig 3: Piston Ring End Gap Position

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - GAP OF LOWER SIDE RAIL

2 - NO. 1 RING GAP

3 - GAP OF UPPER SIDE RAIL

4 - NO. 2 RING GAP AND SPACER EXPANDER GAP