Pistons, Rings & Connecting Rods; Checking Ring Groove Clearance - Chevrolet Trailblazer Service Manual

C. Pry the crankshaft toward the front of the engine and read the gauge.
D. Confirm that the reading is within the specified range.
E. If not, install a new thrust bearing and repeat the procedure.
F. If the measurement remains out of the specified range after installing a new
thrust bearing, inspect the thrust surfaces of the crankshaft, and if possible,
repair it.
14. Rotate the crankshaft to position the first rod journal (cylinder number one) to the
bottom of its stroke
Pistons, Rings & Connecting Rods
Before installing the piston/connecting rod assembly, oil the pistons, piston rings and the
cylinder walls with light engine oil.
1. Install connecting rod bolt protectors or rubber hose onto the connecting rod
bolts/studs.
Select the proper ring set for the size cylinder bore
Position the ring in the bore in which it is going to be used
Push the ring down into the bore area where normal ring wear is not
encountered
Use the head of the piston to position the ring in the bore so that the ring is
square with the cylinder wall. Use caution to avoid damage to the ring or
cylinder bore
Measure the gap between the ends of the ring with a feeler gauge. Ring
gap in a worn cylinder is normally greater than specification. If the ring gap
is greater than the specified limits, use an oversize ring set.

Checking ring groove clearance