Piston Ring Side Clearance

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.

Measure side clearance of piston ring and piston ring groove with feeler gauge.
1. Standard
2. Top ring : 0.045 - 0.080 mm (0.0018 - 0.0031 in)
3. 2nd ring : 0.030 - 0.070 mm (0.0012 - 0.0028 in)
4. Oil ring : 0.065 - 0.135 mm (0.0026 - 0.0053 in)
5. Limit
6. Top ring : 0.11 mm (0.0043 in)
7. 2nd ring : 0.10 mm (0.0039 in)
If out of specification, replace piston and/or piston ring assembly.

Fig 1: Measuring Piston Ring Side Clearance
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.