Piston Ring Replacement

2004 Honda S2000 L4-2.2LSECTION Piston Ring Replacement
Replacement





1. Using a piston, push a new ring (A) into the cylinder bore 15 - 20 mm (0.6 - 0.8 inch) from the bottom.
2. Measure the piston ring end-gap (B) 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. If the bore is over the service limit, the cylinder block must be rebored.
Piston Ring End-Gap:
Top Ring
Standard (New): 0.25 - 0.35 mm (0.010 - 0.014 inch)
Service Limit: 0.60 mm (0.024 inch)
Second Ring
Standard (New): 0.60 - 0.75 mm (0.024 - 0.030 inch)
Service Limit: 0.90 mm (0.035 inch)
Oil Ring
Standard (New): 0.20 - 0.70 mm (0.008 - 0.028 inch)
Service Limit: 0.80 mm (0.031 inch)





3. Using a ring expander (A), remove the old piston rings (B).
4. Clean all ring grooves thoroughly with a squared off broken ring or ring groove cleaner with a blade to fit the piston grooves. The top and 2nd ring grooves are 1.2 mm (0.05 inch) wide. The oil ring groove is 2.0 mm (0.08 inch) wide. File down a blade if necessary. Do not use a wire brush to clean the ring grooves, or cut the ring grooves deeper with the cleaning tools.

NOTE: If the piston is to be separated from the connecting rod, do not install new rings yet.








5. Install the rings as shown. The top ring (A) has a R1 mark and the second ring (B) has a R2 mark. The manufacturing marks (C) must be facing upward.
6. Rotate the rings in their grooves to make sure they do not bind.





7. Position the ring end gaps as shown.





8. After installing a new set of rings, measure the ring-to-groove clearances:
Top Ring Clearance
Standard (New): 0.045 - 0.090 mm (0.0018 - 0.0035 inch)
Service Limit: 0.135 mm (0.005 inch)
Second Ring Clearance
Standard (New): 0.040 - 0.070 mm (0.0016 - 0.0028 inch)
Service Limit: 0.13 mm (0.005 inch)

RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

When to See a Mechanic

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

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