Piston Ring-to-Groove Clearance

NOTE: Always use a piston ring expanding tool to install rings on a piston.

1. Check side clearance of compression rings with Feeler Gauge 303-D027 or equivalent by inserting it between piston ring and its lower land. Gauge should slide freely around entire piston ring circumference without binding.

NOTE: If lower lands have high steps, piston should be replaced.






Piston ring side clearance should be as follows:
- top ring: 0.040-0.090 mm (0.0016-0.0035 inch)
- 2nd ring: 0.030-0.080 mm (0.0012-0.0031 inch)

Service limit:
- top ring: 0.15 mm max (0.006 inch max)
- 2nd ring: 0.15 mm max (0.006 inch max)

2. If clearance is greater than service limit, replace piston ring. If clearance exceeds service limit after new piston ring is installed, replace piston.