Piston Rings
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Lexus LS 430. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Ensure piston ring end gap and side clearance in ring groove are within specification. See PISTONS, PINS & RINGS table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. Install piston rings with identification mark on ring facing toward top of piston. Stagger ring gaps on piston before installation. See Fig 1.
NOTE:
Top ring is marked 1R and second ring is marked with 2R identification marks.