Durango 4WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (1998)
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 gauge in the gap. The top compression ring gap should be between 0.254-0.508 mm (0.010-0.020 inch). The second compression
ring gap should be between 0.508-0.762 mm (0.0200.030 inch). The oil ring gap should be 0.254-1.270 mm (0 010-0.050 inch).
c. Rings with insufficient end gap may be properly filed to the correct dimension. 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.
Second Ring Compression Ring Identification
Compression Ring Chamfer Location
b. Install the second compression rings using Installation Tool C-4184. 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.
Top Compression Ring Identification
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
