Piston Rings

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Measuring Piston Ring Gap

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - FEELER GAUGE

NOTE: Piston ring end gap must be checked prior to installing piston rings on the piston.

Check piston ring end gap with a feeler gauge (1). Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .

Fig 2: Installing Piston Ring

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - NO. 1 PISTON RING

2 - NO. 2 PISTON RING

3 - SIDE RAIL

4 - OIL RING

5 - SPACER EXPANDER

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 2.

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 2.

Fig 3: Installing Side Rail
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - SIDE RAIL END

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 3 .

Fig 4: Installing Piston Ring

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - NO. 1 PISTON RING

2 - NO. 2 PISTON RING

3 - SIDE RAIL

4 - OIL RING

5 - SPACER EXPANDER

Install No. 2 piston ring (2) and then No. 1 piston ring (1). See Fig 2.

Fig 5: View Of Piston Ring End Gap Position

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

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

Position piston ring end gaps as shown. See Fig 5.
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.