OEM 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 Piston Ring Set

2001 Dodge Ram 3500 Piston Ring Set Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Properly Install a Piston Ring Set on 2001 Dodge Ram 3500?

  A: Make sure to use the end gap at the piston ring's 2 inch position from the cylinder bore's bottom and measure with the piston upside down to keep the gap exact. Check for space in the gaps with a feeler gauge; the compression rings should have top gaps around 0.254 - 0.508 mm (0.010 - 0.020 inch), second ring gaps of 0.508 - 0.762 mm (0.020 - 0.030 inch) and oil ring gaps measuring from 0.254 mm to 1.270 mm (0.010 inch to 0.050 inch). If the end opening is too short, the ring can be correctly fixed with a file, but a ring with unnecessary openings should not be used. Try not to damage the piston during ring installation and be sure to follow the instructions on the package for putting in the oil rails, putting in the oil rail spacer first, then the side rails. The second compression rings should be installed using C-4184, keeping the mark upward and the chamfer downward. When fitting the top compression ring, guide the ring installer with the chamfer up and the mark facing the sky. Take measurements that show that the side clearance between the piston ring and ring land should be between 0.074 and 0.097 mm (0.0029 and 0.0038 inch). For the compression rings, this distance should be 0.074 - 0.097 mm, while that of the steel rail oil ring should be free, not more than 0.246 mm (0.0097 inch). Put in incorrectly sized pistons with regard to side clearance. End with the top compression ring 90° counterclockwise away from the oil ring rail gap and the next compression ring 90° clockwise from it.