Special Tool(s)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Feeler Gauge Set
303-D027 (D81L-4201-A) or equivalent

NOTE: Faulty rings cannot always be detected by visual inspection. Therefore, whenever a piston is removed from a cylinder, install new piston rings.

Inspect the new piston rings for cleanliness.
Before installing new piston rings on the piston, check the gap for each ring.
- Push the piston rings into the cylinder bore. Make sure the piston ring is square with the cylinder wall. An inverted piston head may be used to push the piston ring to the desired location of the measurement (usually at the top of the piston ring travel).
NOTE: Typical cylinder block shown.

Using the Feeler Gauge Set, measure the gap between the ends of each piston ring. For additional information, refer to SPECIFICATIONS .

Fig 1: Measuring Gap Between Ends Of Piston Rings Using Feeler Gauge Set
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If the gap does not meet specifications, select another ring or recheck the cylinder bore wear.