1. Lay out the piston/connecting rod assemblies and new ring sets to match the same pistons and cylinders with which their end clearances were measured and into which they will be installed when assembling the engine.
2. Insert the top ring into the first cylinder and set it perpendicular to the cylinder wall by pushing it through the piston crown. The ring should be at the bottom of the cylinder at the lowest point of the engine ring.
3. To measure the end gap, insert a feeler gauge between its ends, the thickness of which is equal to the width of the gap. The feeler gauge should pass between the ends of the ring with slight resistance. Compare the measurement result with the requirements Tables of sizes and adjustment data at the end of the Guide. If the clearance is greater or less than required, then double-check that the correct rings have been purchased before proceeding further.
4. If the gap is too small, then it should be increased, otherwise the ends of the ring will come together when the engine is running, which can cause serious damage to the engine. The gap can be increased by filing it very carefully with a small file. Clamp the file in a vise with elastic jaws, put the ring on the file so that the ends of the ring rest against its surface and slowly move the ring to remove the material. When performing this operation, move the ring only from the end of the file to the beginning.
5. Too much clearance is not critical if it does not exceed 1.0 mm. Check again if the correct rings have been purchased.
6. Repeat the procedure for each ring of the first cylinder and for each ring of the remaining cylinders. Don't forget about matching rings, pistons and cylinders.
7. When the gaps between the ends of the rings are drawn / corrected, the rings can be installed on the pistons.
8. Usually the oil scraper ring is installed first (the bottom of the piston). As a rule, it consists of three separate components. Install a radial/axial expander into the groove. If there is an anti-rotation tab, make sure it is inserted into the hole drilled in the groove.
9. Install the lower disk next. When installing the oil ring discs, do not use a piston ring installation tool as they may be damaged. Instead, position one end of the disc in the groove between the radial/axial expander and the groove wall, hold it firmly in place, and ring around the piston, driving the disc into the groove. Next, install the top disk in the same way.
10. After installing the three components of the oil scraper ring, check that the upper and lower discs move easily in the groove.
11. Install the middle ring next. Usually a mark is applied to it, which should be turned up towards the piston crown.
Always follow the instructions printed on the packaging of the rings or on the box - different manufacturers may have different requirements. Do not confuse the top and bottom rings as they have different cross sections.
12. Make sure the identification mark is facing the bottom of the piston, then install the ring in the middle groove of the piston (Look drawing). Do not expand the ring more than is necessary to put it on the piston. Use a quality ring setting tool if available; so that the rings do not fall into the empty grooves, you can use old flat probes.
13. Install the top ring in the same way. Make sure the label is facing up. Be careful not to confuse the top and middle rings.
14. Repeat the procedure for the remaining pistons and rings.