Piston Ring Clearance Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata, and 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Measure the piston ring-to-ring land clearance around the entire circumference. Replace the piston and piston ring as necessary.
Standard Clearance
1. Top : 0.030-0.065 mm {0.0012-0.0025 in}
2. Second : 0.030-0.070 mm {0.0012-0.0027 in}
3. Oil : 0.07-0.16 mm {0.003-0.006 in}
Maximum Clearance
1. Top, Second : 0.15 mm {0.006 in}
2. Oil : 0.20 mm {0.008 in}
  
  Fig 1: Measuring Piston Ring-To-Ring Land Clearance
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Insert the piston ring into the cylinder by hand and use the piston to push it to the bottom of the ring travel.

Fig 2: Pushing Ring To Bottom Of Ring Travel
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Measure each piston ring end gap by using a feeler gauge. Replace the piston ring as necessary.
Standard End Gap
1. Top : 0.15-0.30 mm {0.006-0.011 in}
2. Second : 0.30-0.45 mm {0.012-0.017 in}
3. Oil rail : 0.20-0.70 mm {0.008-0.027 in}
Maximum End Gap
1. 1.0 mm {0.039 in}