I just got a new set of pistons (and a bunch of other stuff) from the parts dinosaur. I'm getting really antsy because I am in new territory. I was wondering how to know which main ring goes on top, and which one goes on the second groove. The copper one or the black one? Also, is that oil ring normal? It isn't the same as the old one I pulled out and it has some sort of other ring within it. You would think it would help to read the installation directions but they seem to leave stuff out and I cant really even decipher them:

"Install piston rings in the following order:
1. Clean grooves (NA cause I got new pistons)
2.Fit the oil control - followed by compression rings in ascending order into the ring grooves using a ring tool
3.take care to fit rings with marked faces upward

Special fitting instructions for fitting NIFFLEX oil ring
1. fit the expander NIFFLEX oil ring into the groove by hand and ensure the ends butt together
2. hold with your thumb the expander at its butt ends. fit the upper rail onto the expander with its butt end approx 45 deg to the left, and the lower rail approx 45 deg to rhe right to the gap of expander."

I got lost on #2 on both of those. Interpretation anyone?





One last question. How do you guys clean up the mating surfaces of the block, bedplate, head... etc? Im really nervous cause I don't want to mess anything up obviously. ALEVE MY STRESS PLEASE!!

Typically, when you buy new rings, they're packaged and labeled which is which. Call the manufacturer, or PD, and find out what they recommend. What brand are they?

For cleaning, I use a razor blade & some brake clean.

**EDIT**
Oh, and your reference to #2, it's saying to place the oil rings so that the gaps are spaced apart 45*. The two metal rings (the top & bottom of the oil rings) should be 90* apart, with the middle ring in between these two. I'd put the ring gap of the middle ring on the side of the piston, either pointing toward the front or the rear of the block, and then have the other two at their respective 45* locations. Is that a little better, or did I make it worse?

those are garbage rings btw. I would just get some hastings rings that are properly labeled as Luke said.

Just my opinion.

Garbage? I mean, they are supposed to be OEM. Is there anything ACTUALLY wrong with them? Should I worry about something? They came with a new set of OEM pistons from the parts dinosaur.

Oh and to Cougar, yes that helped. You are saying that the rings that go in the groove with the oil ring should have the gaps facing opposite of each other one toward one side of the piston and one toward the other side, while the gap in the oil ring should be directly in between the other 2 facing the front. Right?

To help in any future searches:

I emailed Parts Dinosaur when installing my set and the copper colored ring is the top ring. Be certain the markings (usually the letter "N" stamped on it near the gap) are facing up.

viva la 2GNT search engine! lol