Before installing the new
Piston rings, the ring end gaps must be checked. Lay out the piston/connecting rod assemblies and the new ring sets so the ring sets will be matched with the same piston and cylinder during the end gap measurement and engine assembly. Insert the top (number one) ring into the first cylinder and square it up with the cylinder walls by pushing it in with the top of the piston. To measure the end gap, slip feeler gauges between the ends of the ring until a gauge equal to the gap width is found. If the gap is too small, replace the rings - DO NOT file the ends to increase the clearance. Excess end gap isn't critical unless it's greater than 0.040-inch. Repeat the procedure for each ring that will be installed in the first cylinder and for each ring in the remaining cylinders. Once the ring end gaps have been checked/corrected, the rings can be installed on the pistons. The oil control ring (lowest one on the piston) is usually installed first. After the three oil ring components have been installed, check to make sure that both the upper and lower side rails can be turned smoothly in the ring groove. The number two (middle) ring is installed next. Use a piston ring installation tool and make sure the ring's identification mark is facing the top of the piston, then slip the ring into the middle groove on the piston. Install the number one (top) ring in the same manner. Repeat the procedure for the remaining pistons and rings.