1978 Johnson 175, 200, 235 HP Outboard Service Manual, Page 87Get this manual
PISTON RINGS (Upper ring is pressure back ring) Install the piston rings on each pistonSpread each ring with ring expander just enough to slip it over the head of the piston and down into placeBe sure the rings fit freely in the piston ring groovesThe ring grooves are pinned to secure the position of the rings, primarily to prevent ends of the rings from catching on the edges of the ports in the cylinders, but also to assure staggering of the ring gaps PISTON-CONNECTING ROD INSTALLATION Coat pistons and cylinder bores with oil and install piston-connecting rod assemblies, being sure to match each assembly with the cylinder it was removed fromThe intake side of the piston deflector must be placed toward the intake portThe us of automotive type ring compressing tools should be avoided, as these frequently cause damaged pistons and broken piston rings through imperfect alignment of the ring gap and piston dowel pinThe use of Special Tool Part #3 16655 available for standard size rings and pistons is recommendedUSing one hand to push the piston into the cylinder, use the free hand to guide the connecting rod into place and to align the rod with respect to the crankshaftSee Figure 5-52A