OEM 2004 Dodge Dakota Piston Ring Set

2004 Dodge Dakota Piston Ring Set Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Check Clearances and Install a Piston Ring Set on 2004 Dodge Dakota?

  A: Before fitting a used or new ring, clean the empty cylinder bore, place the ring in it and verify that the measurement of the ring clearance is taken with the space between the ring and the bottom of the bore is at least 12mm (0.50 inch). Move the ring down into the cylinder using a piston to guarantee it is specs correct and consider replacing any rings that fall outside of the proper end gap. Before you check the ring side clearance, clean the piston rings and confirm there are no nicks or burrs. Then, measure the ring side and if any is not within given specifications, replace it. Spin the ring so it goes round the piston inside the groove; there should be no binding. Because the cross section of the No. 1 and No. 2 rings is not the same, the No. 2 ring should have its manufacturer's I.D. mark (Dot) pointing toward the piston's upper part. The order for fitting piston rings is oil ring expander, oil ring expansion side rail, oil ring side rail, No. 2 intermediate piston ring and No. 1 upper piston ring. Fit the oil ring expander onto the top piston ring, then put one end of the upper side rail into the gap between the ring and expander and press it down into place. After that, do the same with the lower side rail. Put in the No. 2 intermediate piston ring and the No. 1 upper piston ring with the aid of the piston ring installer. Keep the expander ring gap at least 45° from the side rail gaps instead of staying near the piston pin or thrust direction.