Dodge Intrepid - Page 288

(2) Check piston ring to groove clearance (Fig. 71).
For clearance specifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
SPECIFICATIONS).
REMOVAL
(1) Remove piston and connecting rod. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON & CONNECT-
ING ROD - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove No. 1 and No.2 piston rings (Fig. 72)
from piston using a ring expander tool (Fig. 74).
(3) Remove upper oil ring side rail (Fig. 72).
(4) Remove lower oil ring side rail (Fig. 72).
(5) Remove oil ring expander (Fig. 72).
INSTALLATION
(1) Measure clearance of piston rings to the cylin-
der bore and piston. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE
BLOCK/PISTON RINGS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(2) The No. 1 and No. 2 piston rings have a differ-
ent cross section. Ensure No. 2 ring is installed with
manufacturers I.D. mark (dot) facing up, towards top
of the piston (Fig. 72).
CAUTION: Install piston rings in the following
order:
(3) Oil ring expander.
(4) Upper oil ring side rail.
(5) Lower oil ring side rail.
(6) No. 2 Intermediate piston ring.
(7) No. 1 Upper piston ring.
(8) Install the side rail by placing one end between
the piston ring groove and the expander. Hold end
firmly and press down the portion to be installed
until side rail is in position. Do not use a piston
ring expander during this step (Fig. 73).
(9) Install upper side rail first and then the lower
side rail.
(10) Install No. 2 piston ring and then No. 1 piston
ring (Fig. 74).
(11) Position piston ring end gaps as shown in
(Fig. 75).
(12) Position oil ring expander gap at least 45°
from the side rail gaps but not on the piston pin cen-
ter or on the thrust direction. Staggering ring gap is
important for oil control.
Fig. 70 CHECK GAP ON PISTON RINGS
1 - FEELER GUAGE
Fig. 71 Measuring Piston Ring Side Clearance
1 - FEELER GAUGE
Fig. 72 PISTON RING - INSTALLATION
1 - SPACER EXPANDER
2 - SIDE RAIL
LH ENGINE 2.7L 9 - 53
PISTON RINGS (Continued)