RAM 3500 Truck 2WD V10-8.0L VIN W (1997)
Piston Ring: Service and Repair
1. Measurement of end gaps:
a. Measure piston ring gap 2 inches from bottom of cylinder bore. An inverted piston can be used to push the rings down to ensure positioning rings
squarely in the cylinder bore before measuring.
b. Insert feeler stock in the gap. Gap for compression rings should be between 0.254 - 0.508 mm (0.010 - 0.020 inch). The oil ring gap should be
0.381 - 1.397 mm (0.015 - 0.055 inch).
c. Rings with insufficient end gap may be properly filed to the correct dimension. Ends should be stoned smooth after filing with Arkansas White
Stone. Rings with excess gaps should not be used.
2. Install rings and confirm ring side clearance:
a. Install oil rings being careful not to nick or scratch the piston. Install the oil control rings according to instructions in the package. It is not
necessary to use a tool to install the upper and lower rails. Insert oil rail spacer first, then side rails.
b. Install the second compression rings using Installation Tool C-4184, or equivalent. The compression rings must be installed with the identification
mark face up (toward top of piston) and chamfer facing down. An identification mark on the ring is a drill point, a stamped letter O. an oval
depression or the word TOP.
c. Using a ring installer, install the top compression ring with the chamfer facing up. An identification mark on the ring is a drill point, a stamped
letter O. an oval depression or the word TOP facing up.
d. Measure side clearance between piston ring and ring land. Clearance should be 0.074 - 0.097 mm (0.0029 - 0.0038 inch) for the compression
rings. The steel rail oil ring should be free in groove, but should not exceed 0.246 mm (0.0097 inch) side clearance.
e. Pistons with insufficient or excessive side clearance should be replaced.
