Installing Rings & Pistons

The narrow side of the connecting rod, with small chamfer, must face adjacent connecting rod. Wide side with large chamfer is aligned with crankshaft cheek. Position each piston ring about 2/3 down into cylinder bore. Measure ring end gap. Maximum end gap for top and second compression rings is .016" (.40 mm) and .055" 1.40 mm) for 3-piece oil scraper ring.
Check side clearance of rings in piston ring grooves. Maximum side clearance for "KS" top and second compression rings is 0.0032" (.082 mm). Maximum side clearance for "Mahle" top ring is 0.0040" (.102 mm) and 0.0028" (.072 mm) for second ring. Maximum side clearance for "KS" oil scraper ring is 0.0054" (.137 mm) and 0.0049" (.127 mm) for "Mahle".
Replace each pistons ring set if any rings are near or beyond specification. Install rings on piston with "TOP" facing upward. To aid oil ring assembly installation, a colored dot has been applied to each end of expander ring.
Place expander ring in groove first so the 2 colored dots are visible. This indicates that expander ends butt together but DO NOT overlap. Install upper and lower oil scraper rings in position.
Adjust end gap spacing so each scraper ring end gap is offset 45 degrees from expander ring ends and side rail gaps offset 90 degrees from each other. Install compression rings so gaps are offset by 120 degrees. Ensure no ring gap is in line with thrust face of pin bore.
NOTE: Arrow on top of piston must face toward front of engine when installed.
Install Ring Compressor (US-1008A) on piston/rings assembly. With end gaps properly positioned, tighten compressor. Lubricate cylinder bore and piston assembly lightly with oil. Position piston/compressor assembly over cylinder bore and tap piston assembly into bore.