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HOMESERVICE MANUALSACURA20043.5RLREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 49 (3.2L V6 ENGINE)OVERHAULPISTON RINGREMOVAL
2004 Acura 3.5RL

Piston Ring: Removal

2004 Acura 3.5RLSECTION Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002 Acura 3.2CL, and 2001 Acura 3.2CL. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Remove the piston from the cylinder block. See CRANKSHAFT & PISTON (REMOVAL & INSTALLATION) .
  2. Using a ring expander (A), remove the old piston rings (B). See Fig 1.
    3. NOTE: If the piston is to be separated from the connecting rod, DO NOT install new rings yet.
  3. Clean all the ring grooves thoroughly with a squared-off broken ring or ring groove cleaner with a blade to fit the piston grooves. File down the blade if necessary. Top ring and second ring grooves are .05" (1.2 mm) wide, and the oil ring groove is .11" (2.8 mm) wide. DO NOT use a wire brush to clean the ring grooves, or cut the ring grooves deeper with the cleaning tool.
  4. Using a piston, push a new ring into the cylinder bore .6-.8" (15-20 mm) from the bottom. See Fig 2 and PISTON RING END-GAP  table.
  5. Measure the piston ring end-gap with a feeler gauge;
    • If the gap is too small, check to see if you have the proper rings for your engine.
    • If the gap is too large, recheck the cylinder bore diameter against the wear limits. See step  4 under BLOCK & PISTON INSPECTION.
    PISTON RING END-GAP

    Application Specification - In. (mm)
    Top Ring
    Standard (New) .008-.014 (.20-.35)
    Service Limit .024 (.60)
    Second Ring
    Standard (New) .016-.022 (.40-.55)
    Service Limit .028 (.70)
    Oil Ring
    Standard (New) .008-.028 (.20-.70)
    Service Limit .031 (.80)
    Fig 1: Removing/Installing Piston Ring
    G00294845Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.