Fitting Pistons

1999 Mazda 626 ES, 2.5 D, StandardSECTION Fitting Pistons
  1. Measure piston skirt at 90-degree angle to piston pin, .650" (16.5 mm) below lowest piston ring groove. Measure cylinder bore diameter just below top of bore, at middle of cylinder bore and just above bottom of cylinder bore and record measurements.
  2. If cylinder taper and out-of-round are not within specification, bore cylinder to next oversize. If cylinder taper and out of round are within specification, subtract piston diameter measurement from cylinder bore measurement to determine piston-to-cylinder clearance. See PISTONS, PINS & RINGSΒ  table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. If piston-to-cylinder clearance is excessive, replace piston or bore cylinder to next oversize.
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.