Acura TSX / Honda Accord CL. Manual - part 460

PISTON RING REPLACEMENT 

1. Remove the piston from the cylinder block (see CRANKSHAFT & PISTON REMOVAL ).  

2. Using a ring expander (A), remove the old piston rings (B). 

Fig. 222: Removing The Old Piston Rings 

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 and 2nd ring grooves are 1.2 mm (0.05 in.) wide. The oil ring groove is 2.5 
mm (0.10 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 the cleaning tools. 

 

2004 Acura TSX 

2004 ENGINES 2.4L DOHC VTEC - TSX

  

 

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. 223: Using A Piston To Push NEW Ring Into The Cylinder Bore 

5. Measure the piston ring end-gap (B) with a feeler gauge: 

Piston Ring End-Gap: 

Top Ring: 

Standard (New): 0.20-0.35 mm (0.008-0.014 in.)  

Service Limit: 0.60 mm (0.024 in.)  

Second Ring: 

Standard (New): 0.50-0.65 mm (0.020-0.026 in.) 

NOTE:

If the piston is to be separated from the connecting rod, do not install new 
rings yet.

 

2004 Acura TSX 

2004 ENGINES 2.4L DOHC VTEC - TSX

  

 

Service Limit: 0.75 mm (0.030 in.)  

Oil Ring: 

Standard (New): 0.20-0.70 mm (0.008-0.028 in.)  

Service Limit: 0.80 mm (0.031 in.)  

z

If the gap is too small, check to see if you have the proper rings for your engine.  

z

If the gap is too large, recheck the cylinder bore diameter against the wear limits (see 
BLOCK & PISTON INSPECTION ). If the bore is over the service limit, the cylinder 
block must be rebored.  

6. Install the top ring and second ring as shown The top ring (A) has a 1R or 1N mark and the second ring 

(B) has a 2RN or 2N mark. The manufacturing marks (C) must be facing upward. 

Fig. 224: Installing The Top Ring & Second Ring

 

2004 Acura TSX 

2004 ENGINES 2.4L DOHC VTEC - TSX

  

 

Fig. 225: Manufacturing Marks Facing Upward

 

2004 Acura TSX 

2004 ENGINES 2.4L DOHC VTEC - TSX