This is a 5.3L DNJ piston oil control ring expander. There is a small wire threaded across the ends of the ring. this wire is about 3 inches long. What purpose does it serve? Should that be removed before installing. Never seen one like this. I have a call into DNJ about it. They will call me back.

 

It holds the ring together so it doesn't bunch up or go over it self.

It's perfectly normal

 

Seems like the wire would travel away from the end connection when the engine is running? Anyway, thanks for the reply. I've never seen one like that before. I've installed maybe a dozen pistons, therefore making my experience level somewhat limited.

 

Once installed correctly, they stay locked in place. the wire portion should stay in the outer portion of the ring, not protrude inward like shown on the left side of the current picture above.

There should have been instructions with the ring pack. Sometimes there printed on the inside of the box.

 

Thanks! I hope to get these pistons installed today.