Piston Ring End Gap

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Nissan Altima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check if inner diameter of cylinder bore is within specification. Refer to PISTON TO CYLINDER BORE CLEARANCE .
Insert piston ring until middle of cylinder with piston, and measure gap.
1. Standard
2. Top ring : 0.21 - 0.31 mm (0.0083 - 0.0122 in)
3. 2nd ring : 0.32 - 0.47 mm (0.0126 - 0.0185 in)
4. Oil ring : 0.20 - 0.60 mm (0.0079 - 0.0236 in)
5. Limit
6. Top ring : 0.54 mm (0.0213 in)
7. 2nd ring : 0.67 mm (0.0264 in)
8. Oil ring : 0.95 mm (0.0374 in)
Fig 1: Measuring Piston Ring End Gap
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
If out of specification, replace piston ring. If gap still exceeds the limit even with a new ring, re-bore cylinder and use oversized piston and piston ring.