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.

Measure clearance of piston rings to the cylinder bore and piston. (Refer to ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON RINGS - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
CAUTION: Install piston rings in the following order:
1. Oil ring expander.
2. Upper oil ring side rail.
3. Lower oil ring side rail.
4. No. 2 Intermediate piston ring.
5. No. 1 Upper piston ring.
Install oil ring expander.
Install the side rail 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 during this step. See Fig 1 .

Fig 1: Side Rail - Installation
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - SIDE RAIL END

Fig 2: Piston Ring - Installation
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - SPACER EXPANDER

2 - SIDE RAIL

Fig 3: Upper and Intermediate Rings - Installation
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Install upper side rail first and then the lower side rail.
NOTE: The No. 1 and No. 2 piston rings have a different cross section. Ensure No. 2 ring is installed with manufacturers I.D. mark (dot) facing up, towards top of the piston. See Fig 2
Install No. 2 piston ring and then No. 1 piston ring. See Fig 3.
Position piston ring end gaps as shown in Fig 4.
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 4: Piston Ring End Gap Position

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - SIDE RAIL UPPER

2 - NO. 1 RING GAP

3 - PISTON PIN

4 - SIDE RAIL LOWER

5 - NO. 2 RING GAP AND SPACER EXPANDER GAP