OEM 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Piston Ring Set

2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Piston Ring Set Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Check and Install a Piston Ring Set on 2006 Dodge Ram 3500?

  A: Check the space between the ring and the edge of the cylinder by cleaning away debris, putting the ring in and measuring at least 12 mm (0.50 inch) above the base of the cylinder bore. Move the ring downward in the cylinder using a piston to square it and gauge the gap between the ring and the cylinder. Replace any rings that are off standard. Make sure the piston ring grooves are clean of any sharp marks before measuring the ring side clearance, so that the feeler gauge just slides between the ring land and the ring. Change any ring found not meeting the required specifications. Move the ring slowly all around the piston so you can see it turning smoothly within the groove. Since the No. 1 and No. 2 piston rings have different shapes, the No. 2 ring should have its manufacturer's I.D. mark (Dot) pointing up when you install it. Oil ring expander, followed by the lower, then upper rail for oil ring and finishing off with the No. 2 intermediate and No. 1 upper piston rings. Begin by installing the oil ring expander, sliding the upper side rail into place by pressing the pair between the piston and expander rings, holding it tightly and lastly, install the lower side rail similarly on the other end of the cylinder. Use the proper equipment to install both No. 2 intermediate piston ring and No. 1 upper piston ring. To avoid placing the expander ring on the piston pin center or in the direction of thrust, position the gap between the piston ring and the side rail so it is at least 45° from the end gaps.