Section 75 (1.6L SOHC Engine): Rings-Piston: Installation

Fig 1: Piston Ring Installation

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

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

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

1. Install oil ring expander (5). See Fig 1.
2. Install lower side rail (3) first and then the upper side rail (3). Install the side rails by placing one end between the piston ring groove and the oil ring expander.
   Fig 2: Installing Side Rail

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

   1 - SIDE RAIL END

3. 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 3: Piston Ring Installation

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

   1 - NO. 1 PISTON RING

   2 - NO. 2 PISTON RING

   3 - SIDE RAIL

   4 - OIL RING

   5 - OIL RING EXPANDER

4. Install No. 2 piston ring (2) and then No. 1 piston ring (1). See Fig 3.
   Fig 4: 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

5. Position piston ring end gaps as shown. See Fig 4.
6. Position oil ring expander gap (4) 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.