OEM 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Piston Ring Set

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Piston Ring Set Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Properly Install a Piston Ring Set on 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

  A: Begin by cleaning the cylinder bore, put the ring in next and using the piston, push it down flat into the bore. Put the ring aside the bottom of the cylinder with at least 12 mm (0.50 inch) clearance and check its gap with the feeler gauge. Measure the gap between the piston and cylinder wall at the groove of the ring. Place each of the rings with the manufacturers I.D facing up as you install them: oil ring expander first, then upper oil ring side rail, lower oil ring side rail, No. 2 intermediate piston ring and finally No. 1 upper piston ring. For the side rail, first set a corner inside the piston ring groove and between the expander. Then, secure it and press down until it sits in place without using a piston ring expander. Place the upper side rail first, then the lower side rail, after which you'll install the No. 2 and No. 1 piston rings. Place the piston ring gaps carefully and verify that the oil ring expansion sleeve gap is farther than 45° from the side rails while avoiding both the piston pin center and thrust direction, for better oil management.