Piston - Ring End Gap

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford RV Cutaway, 2003 Ford Econoline, 2003 Ford E550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2003 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Use care when fitting piston rings to avoid possible damage to the piston ring or the cylinder bore.

CAUTION: Piston rings should not be transferred from one piston to another.

NOTE: Cylinder bore must be within specification for taper and out-of-round.

Use a piston without rings to push a piston ring in a cylinder to the bottom of ring travel.

Fig 1: Use A Piston Without Rings To Push A Piston Ring In A Cylinder
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Use a feeler gauge to measure the top piston ring end gap and the second piston ring end gap.
- Refer to SPECIFICATIONS in the appropriate ENGINE article.
Fig 2: Measuring Piston Ring End Gap
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.