I have a 2002 Caravan, doing an engine rebuild. The Specs for the 3.8L thicknesses (rings) in mm are 1.5, 1.5, and 3 (top to bottom)

However the compression rings will not fit my pistons (top is supposed to be thinner thinner than 1.5mm, it appears...).

How do I resolve this? they only sell 1 size ring kit for my Caravan... and its incorrect.

It IS a 3.8L, Verified. Only thing wrong is the thickness...

 

Did you clean out the ring grooves? Did the engine rebuild kit include your year or did you assume an earlier or later 3.8 kit would work?

 

May sure you have the right parts. The 3.3 and 3.8 look the same, but the bore on the 3.8 is smaller.

 

You mean the 3.8 bore is bigger right? The 3.8 is basically a bored and stroked 3.3.

 

You are right! Bad master tech............... Bore Diameter on the 3.3 is 3.661-3.6617 and 3.8 is 3.7792-3.780 in.

 

I'm going to start calling you "Master Typo".

 

its a 2002 3.8L, only one kit covers this year, Vehicle, and Engine, and the compression rings are too thick, not too big around...

 

those specs are for a 3.3L, the top ring width for a 3.8L is 1.175 - 1.190 mm