Piston Rings: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Dodge Intrepid, 2003 Chrysler Intrepid, 2003 Chrysler Concorde, and 2003 Chrysler 300M. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Measure clearance of piston rings to the cylinder bore and piston. (Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE ).
The No. 1 and No. 2 piston rings have a different cross section. Insure that the No. 2 ring is installed with manufacturers I.D. mark (dot) facing up, towards top of the piston (Fig 1).

Fig 1: Installing Piston Ring
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

CAUTION: Install piston rings in the following order:
- Oil ring expander.
- Upper oil ring side rail.
- Lower oil ring side rail.
- No. 2 Intermediate piston ring.
- No. 1 Upper piston ring.
Install oil ring expander.
Install the side rail by placing one end between the piston ring groove and the expander. Hold end firmly and press down the portion to be installed until side rail is in position. Do not use a piston ring expander during this step ( Fig 2).

Fig 2: Installing Side Rail
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Install upper side rail first and then the lower side rail.
The No. 1 and No. 2 piston rings have a different cross section. Insure that the No. 2 ring is installed with manufacturers I.D. mark (dot) facing up, towards top of the piston (Fig 1).
Install No. 2 piston ring and then No. 1 piston ring (Fig 3).

Fig 3: Compressing Upper And Intermediate Rings
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Position piston ring end gaps as shown in (Fig 4).

Fig 4: Identifying Piston Ring End Gap Position
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Position oil ring expander gap at least 45° from the side rail gaps but not on the piston pin center or on the thrust direction. Staggering ring gap is important for oil control.