Piston Rings
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2001 Mazda Millenia and 2001 Mazda 626. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Ensure piston ring end gap and side clearance are within specification. See PISTONS, PINS & RINGS table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. Position piston ring gaps in proper areas, with identification mark "R" on ring toward top of piston. See Fig 1.