Piston Ring End Gap

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Nissan Maxima. 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 it is in the middle of the cylinder bore and measure the end gap.
1. Standard
  1. Top ring: 0.23 - 0.33 mm (0.0091 - 0.0130 in)
  2. 2nd ring: 0.33 - 0.48 mm (0.0130 - 0.0189 in)
  3. Oil ring: 0.20 - 0.50 mm (0.0079 - 0.0197 in)
2. Limit:
  1. Top ring: 0.54 mm (0.0213 in)
  2. 2nd ring: 0.80 mm (0.0315 in)
  3. Oil ring: 0.95 mm (0.0374 in)
Fig 1: Measuring Piston Fit & 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.