Piston Rings: Installation

The No. 1 and No. 2 piston rings have a different cross section. Install rings with manufacturers I.D. mark facing up, to the top of the piston (Fig 1).

Fig 1: Installing Piston Ring

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• Oil ring expander
• Lower oil ring side rail
• Upper oil ring side rail
• No. 2 intermediate piston ring
• No. 1 upper piston ring

1. Install oil ring expander.
2. Install the lower oil ring 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.  (Fig 2).
   Fig 2: Installing Side Rail

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3. Install upper oil ring side rail.
4. Install No. 2 piston ring and then No. 1 piston ring (Fig 3).
   Fig 3: Installing Upper and Intermediate Rings

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5. Position piston ring end gaps as shown in (Fig 4).
   Fig 4: Identifying Piston Ring End Gap Position

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6. 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.