How to Install Piston Rings | Engine Building 101

Piston rings play an important role in the efficient operation of your engine. They create the seal between the cylinder wall and piston necessary for good compression. Plus, they keep combustion gasses in the combustion chamber (reducing blow-by), and they scrape oil from the cylinder wall and return it to the crankcase. Piston rings also facilitate positive heat transfer between the piston and cylinder wall.

To avoid sealing and oiling issues, proper piston ring installation is essential. In this episode of Summit Racing Engine Building 101, our LS experts Brian and Mike share the tips and tricks you need to install a set of modern low-tension piston rings on your pistons. You’ll learn how to get the correct ring into the correct piston ring groove, proper piston ring installation order, and much more.

Using a Summit Racing Pro LS forged piston, Brian explains the importance and correct installation of a groove lock spacer, and then fits a 3-piece oil ring using an expander plus lower and upper piston wiper rings. Next, he installs a Napier-style second ring which delivers the improved oil control important for boosted applications. Brian completes the job with a D-wall compression piston ring, always paying close attention to end-gap orientation in relation to the pin bore.

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[Ben-wwzq]

I had no idea that there was so much technology involved in those rings, I'm glad I watched this video because now I can take apart the last two engines I put together and check the rings

[MrTheHillfolk]

I'm here cause I've been doing this a long time and a refresher never hurts to stay up on the basics, and you might learn a new trick!

[je]

You guys need to make a playlist for this series. Very useful information.

[RuFFRyDas]

Order from these guys. Products are sometimes backordered, but they deliver every time at the best prices + free shipping! So awesome! Now, please get here soon back-ordered intake!

[johnbehneman]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I AM STILL LEARNING HOW TO INTALL PISTON RINGS CORRECTLY.

[johnbehneman]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I AM STILL LEARNING THIS CONCEPT AS WELL. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT!!! GREAT VIDEO AND THANKS FOR SHARING!!!!

[Thaggard_is]

The groove ring and oil rings have been whooping my ass to install!

[_cst_chevy]

Glad you guys made this video I was wondering what those rings were for.

[sacrefice_]

Thank you for the video. About to get new rings for my old Golf 4 and i was wondering if i really need any special tools to install the ring. Good to know that it's actually that simple and i can save the money :)

[johnbehneman]

GREAT VIDEO & A GREAT EDUCATION!!!! THANKS FOR SHARING!!!

[Texasmule]

What do I do if the oil rings stop the piston from going in the bore? Do I file then to close more or something?

[brandonknight]

The video i needed and glad it was 1st on the utube feed

[MichaelEsah-mt]

Please is there any way that if you set the rings it can cause the oil to finish in the engine?

[ritchardposterior]

I got the exact same ring kit, but never received a groovelock spacer. i only got the top ring, second ring, the wiper rings and the expander ring. I got 3 packages in my set of rings, none had any extras.

[alyandrostanford]

Good night I have a question I m watching you set the rings and I have been setting my compression rings on the minor and major thrust side all the time and always experienced a good compression but my question is if your way would make it even better

[MartinezRacing-]

Does the dot on the 2nd ring face up or I know the dot on the oil ring lock faces down but the 2nd ring that also has a dot does it go up or down???? Thank you and God bless😇

[KingSolrac]

erm, how do i take engine out.. send help

[eldrickejleest]

Is this the way for any gasoline engine pistons?

[chilleddriving]

What the... You're not TV chefs, why did you not show putting the groove lock spacer on?

[nader_zed]

​ @Summit Racing i'm installing piston rings, , four pistons goes perfect, fifth oil rings package sits too tight almost not turning at al, what could be wrong, i cleaned them, tried another set, still very tight, Wiseco #K394XS pistons