OEM 2003 Dodge Durango Piston Ring Set

2003 Dodge Durango Piston Ring Set Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Check and Install a Piston Ring Set on 2003 Dodge Durango?

  A: Quickly clean the bore by wiping it, then position a used or new ring into the bore at least 12 mm (0.50 inch) over the bottom and record the ring's clearance. Ring the bore of the cylinder with a piston and, after sliding the ring downward, verify the gap on the ring ends by feeler gauge. Remove and replace any rings that do not meet specification. Be sure the grooves for the piston rings are clean and don't show any damage, then measure the ring side clearance so the feeler gauge slips in just snugly between the ring and ring land. If a ring is not up to standard, replace it. Turn the ring on the piston to ensure it does not bind when moving in the groove. Since the cross sections of the No. 1 and No. 2 piston rings differ, make sure the No. 2 ring faces up towards the top of the piston, with the manufacturer's Dot showing. Oil ring expander is followed by the upper side rail of the oil ring, the lower rail of the oil ring, next by the No. 2 intermediate piston ring and finally the No. 1 upper piston ring. Insert the oil ring expander first, then attach the upper side rail by fitting one part into the ring groove and the expander, holding it tightly and pushing it down to secure it. After that, set up the lower side rail the same way. Have a piston ring installer put in the No. 2 intermediate piston ring and the No. 1 upper piston ring. Distance the piston ring end gaps so that the expander ring gap exceeds 45° from the side rail gaps and stay away from the piston pin center or thrust area.