OEM 2009 Dodge Dakota Piston Ring Set

2009 Dodge Dakota Piston Ring Set Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Check Clearances and Install a Piston Ring Set on 2009 Dodge Dakota?

  A: Check the ring clearances by wiping the cylinder bore and putting in the ring so that its gap is checked a little more than halfway down the cylinder bore. Guide the ring downward into the cylinder with the piston, so it is squared and measure the end gap using a feeler gauge, swapping out any rings that fail the requirement. Be sure the ring groove is undamaged and free of burrs, then upon fitting the feeler gauge, only replace rings that are outside the allowed side clearance. Turn the ring around the piston to be sure it rotates smoothly in its groove and that the No. 2 ring has the manufacturer's I.D. mark showing upwards. Place the oil ring expander on the head first. Next, put on upper oil ring side rail (1), lower oil ring side rail, No. 2 intermediate piston ring and end with No. 1 upper piston ring. Fit the oil ring expander first, place one end of the upper side rail in the gap between the piston ring and expander, hold it firmly while you press it, until it is flush with the expander and then repeat this for the other side. When installing the No. 2 intermediate piston ring and the No. 1 upper piston ring, use a piston ring installer to ensure there is at least 45° between the expander ring gap and the side rail gaps and do not place them on the piston pin center line or into the thrust direction.