What can incorrectly installed piston rings lead to?

Incorrectly installed piston rings can create gaps or misalignment, which prevents them from forming a proper seal within the cylinder. This can lead to excessive oil consumption because oil may bypass the rings and enter the combustion chamber. Once in the combustion chamber, the oil will not only get burned off along with the fuel but can also create smoke and contribute to engine deposits.

While increased engine temperature and decreased fuel efficiency may be secondary effects linked to issues with the piston rings, they are not the direct result of the rings being installed incorrectly. Conversely, excessive oil consumption is a definitive consequence when the piston rings fail to seal effectively, leading to the conclusion that this is the main consequence of incorrect installation. Increased power output is generally not a result of improperly installed piston rings, as poor sealing negatively affects engine performance rather than enhances it.