OEM 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Piston Ring Set

2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Piston Ring Set Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Check and Install a Piston Ring Set on 2005 Dodge Ram 1500?

  A: Just before you install the rings, make sure to wipe the bore clean, put the ring into it and note its gap 12 mm (0.50 inch) from the bottom of the bore. To make the ring in the cylinder square, insert the piston downwards and check the ring's end gap with a feeler gauge, substituting rings that do not meet specifications. Before measuring, remove dirt, nicks and burrs from the grooves where the piston rings sit. Fit a feeler gauge into the groove, making sure it rests comfortably between the ring and the ring land. If any ring misses the specifications, choose a different ring. Spin the ring around the piston to be certain it moves within the groove unhindered. Because the No. 1 and No. 2 piston rings are not the same, install the No. 2 ring so the manufacturer's dot or I.D mark appears up top as you install it. The order for installing piston rings is oil ring expander, upper oil ring side rail, lower oil ring side rail, No. 2 intermediate piston ring and No. 1 upper piston ring. The oil ring expander goes in first and after that, install the upper side rail by putting one end in the groove between the piston and expander rings, pressing down until it's in place and do the same for the lower side rail. Insert the No. 2 intermediate ring into the cylinder using a piston ring installer. Then, place the No. 1 upper ring using the same device. Place the piston ring gaps so the gap from the expander ring is 45° wider than the side rail gaps and never in the direction of the piston pin or alignment.