Piston Ring - Revised Identification/Installation
File In Section: 6 - EngineBulletin No.: 57-61-29A
Date: November, 1995
SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE
Subject:
Section 6 - Revised Piston Ring Identification and Installation Service Procedures
Models:
1994-96 Buick LeSabre, Park Avenue, Regal
1995-96 Buick Riviera
1994-95 Chevrolet Lumina APV
1995-96 Chevrolet Camaro
1994-95 Oldsmobile Silhouette
1994-96 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight, Ninety Eight
1994-95 Pontiac Trans Sport
1994-96 Pontiac Bonneville
1995-96 Pontiac Firebird
with 3800 Engine (VINs L, K, 1 - RPOs L27, L36, L67)
This bulletin is being revised to add APV to Chevrolet Lumina in models section. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 57-61-29 (Section 6 - Engine).
This procedure revises the piston ring installation procedure found in the Service Manual. Use the following procedure whenever servicing of the piston rings is required on the 3800 engine.
Piston Ring Identification
Prior to the 1994 model year there were two manufacturers making the top piston rings for all 3800 applications. The top piston ring was "marked" in order to differentiate between the two manufacturers.
Since the 1994 model year, there is only one manufacturer making the top piston ring for all 3800 applications. Because there is only one manufacturer making the top ring it is no longer "marked".
Piston Ring Installation
Oil control ring assembly (bottom ring).
1. Expander.
2. Lower oil control ring.
3. Upper oil control ring.
Lower compression ring (second ring).
^ Install with manufacturer's identification mark facing "up".
^ The second piston ring must be installed with marks facing "up" to insure proper oil control.
Upper compression ring (top ring).
^ Install with manufacturer's identification mark facing "up", if marked.
^ If the top piston ring has no mark, then it can be installed in either direction.