Piston Ring Side Clearance Measurement Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Cadillac DTS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Roll the piston ring entirely around the piston ring groove. If any binding is caused by the ring groove, dress the groove with a fine file. If any binding is caused by a distorted piston ring, replace the ring.
- With the piston ring on the piston, use feeler gages to check side clearance at multiple locations.
- Compare your measurements with those found in the Engine Mechanical Specifications (LD8) or Engine Mechanical Specifications (L37) .
- If the clearance is greater than specifications, replace the piston rings.
- If new piston rings do not bring the clearance within the specification, the piston must be replaced.