Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Piston clearance

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

 

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!

 

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.