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HOMESERVICE MANUALSHONDA2002CIVIC SIREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT VARIANT/TRIMSECTION 8 (OVERHAUL - 1.7L ENGINE)ENGINE BLOCKPISTON RING REPLACEMENT
2002 Honda Civic Si

Piston Ring Replacement

2002 Honda Civic SiSECTION Piston Ring Replacement
WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.
  1. Remove the piston from the cylinder block (see Oil Pan Removal  ).
  2. Using a ring expander (A), remove the old piston rings (B).
    Fig 1: Using Ring Expander
    G01397511Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  3. 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 ring groove is 1.0 mm (0.04 in.) wide.
    • The second ring groove is 1.2 mm (0.05 in.) wide.
    • The oil ring groove is 2.0 mm (0.08 in.) 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 cleaning tools.
    NOTE: If the piston is to be separated from the connecting rod, do not install new rings yet.
  4. Using a piston, push a new ring (A) into the cylinder bore 15-20 mm (0.6-0.8 in.) from the bottom.
    Fig 2: Pushing New Ring Into Cylinder Bore
    G01397512Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  5. 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 (see Block and Piston Inspection  ).
    • If the bore is over the service limit, the cylinder block must be rebored.

    Piston Ring End-Gap 

    Top Ring 

    1. Standard (New): 0.15-0.30 mm (0.006-0.012 in.)
    2. Service Limit: 0.60 mm (0.024 in.)

    Second Ring 

    1. Standard (New): 0.30-0.45 mm (0.0120-0.018 in.)
    2. Service Limit: 0.60 mm (0.024 in.)

    Oil Ring 

    1. Standard (New): 0.20-0.70 mm (0.008-0.028 in.)
    2. Service Limit: 0.80 mm (0.031 in.)
  6. Install the top ring (A) and second ring (B) as shown. The manufacturing marks (C) must be facing upward.
    Fig 3: Installing Top Ring
    G01397513Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  7. Rotate the rings in their grooves to make sure they do not bind.
  8. Position the ring end gaps as shown:
    Fig 4: Positioning Ring End Gaps
    G01397514Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  9. After installing a new set of rings, measure the ring-to-groove clearances:

    Top Ring Clearance 

    1. Standard (New): 0.035-0.060 mm (0.0014-0.0024 in.)
    2. Service Limit: 0.13 mm (0.005 in.)

    Second Ring Clearance 

    1. Standard (New): 0.030-0.055 mm (0.0012-0.0022 in.)
    2. Service Limit: 0.13 mm (0.005 in.)
    Fig 5: Measuring Ring-To-Groove Clearances
    G01397515Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
RENDER: 1.0x

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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.