You are reinstalling pistons with new rings, but the ring compressor will not fit tight around a piston skirt. What should you do?

When reinstalling pistons with new rings and facing an issue with the ring compressor not fitting tightly around a piston skirt, it's essential to check the ring end gap. The ring end gap refers to the space between the ends of the piston rings when they are installed in the cylinder. If the gap is not within the manufacturer's specifications, it can lead to improper sealing and performance issues.

By checking the ring end gap, you can determine if the rings are too thick or not properly sized for the piston and cylinder. An appropriate end gap allows for thermal expansion and ensures that the rings can function effectively without causing excessive wear or damage to the cylinder walls. Adjusting the ring end gap to meet the specified requirements can resolve the fitment issue, allowing the ring compressor to function correctly.

In contrast to the other options, checking the ring end gap directly addresses the problem with the fit of the ring compressor. The other choices may lead to unnecessary modifications or do not directly resolve the fitment issue, making it crucial to evaluate the ring end gap first when encountering this situation.