2008 Arctic Cat ATVs factory service and repair manual, Page 284Get this manual
Cleaningllnspecting Piston 1Take an old piston ring and snap it into two pieces; then grind the end of the old ring to 45' angle and to sharp edge2Using the sharpened ring as tool, clean carbon from the ring-groovesBe sure to position the ring with its tapered side upImproper cleaning of the ring-grooves by the use of the wrong type of ring-groove cleaner will result in severe damage to the piston PISTON ASSEMBLY
INOTE: Whenever piston, rings, or pin are out of tolerance, they must be replaced
Measuring Piston-Ring End Gap (Installed) 1Place each compression ring in the wear portion of the cylinderUse the piston to position each ring squarely in the cylinder2Using feeler gauge, measure each piston-ring end gapAcceptable ring end gap must be within specifications
CleaningInspecting Piston 1Using non-metallic carbon removal tool, remove any carbon buildup from the top ofthe piston
2Inspect the piston for cracks in the piston pin, dome, and skirt areas3Inspect the piston for seizure marks or scuffingiNOTE: If scoring or seizure marks are evident, replace the piston