Piston Ring: Service and Repair

This article has been updated with bulletin No.: 57-61-29A.

REVISED PISTON RING IDENTIFICATION AND INSTALLATION

PISTON RING IDENTIFICATION
Prior to the 1994 model year there were two manufacturers making the top piston rings for all 3800 applications. The top piston ring was "marked" in order to differentiate between the two manufacturers.

Since the 1994 model year, there is only one manufacturer making the top piston ring for all 3800 applications. Because there is only one manufacturer making the top ring it is no longer "marked".

PISTON RING INSTALLATION
OIL CONTROL RING ASSEMBLY (BOTTOM RING).
1. Expander.
2. Lower oil control ring.
3. Upper oil control ring.

LOWER COMPRESSION RING (SECOND RING).
^ Install with manufacturer's identification mark facing "up".
^ The second piston ring must be installed with marks facing "up" to insure proper oil control.

UPPER COMPRESSION RING (TOP RING).
^ Install with manufacturer's identification mark facing "up", if marked.
^ If the top piston ring has no mark, then it can be installed in either direction.