Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Piston clearance

[ewcmr2]

Does anyone have a side-view picture of a piston? The reason I ask is that I pulled the head off this evening to replace the head gasket, and looking down the bore, I can see down in between the piston and the bore (to the top ring or a step in the piston). I know the pistons can't be sized that small or worn that much, so I'm wondering what's up with that?



EC

 

[Timinator]

The rings seal the gap. The piston needs to be very close. If you can see past the piston into the sump, the gap is too big!

 

[JConley]

Keep in mind that alluminum expands at a different rate than steel, so the gap is most likely smaller once things are at operating temp.