A little trick I've learned

[GatorMike]

I'm currently working on my 4th engine rebuild so I am in no way an expert, but I have learned a little trick that at least for me makes inserting pistons in their bore a whole lot easier than useing one of those ring compressing tools. I always found those tools akward to work with and I have found something that works 10 times easier. I'm sure the experts here don't struggle with some of these tasks like some of us novices do and they probably have their own tricks.

Anyway here is what I do that makes it simple work. I run to Homedepot and pick up a 4 1/2 " hose clamp. The clamp will just barely fit over both rings at the same time. I tighten the clamp compressing the rings. Then I slide the piston in the bore right up to the clamp, make sure the piston rod is turned right then I give the piston a good swift tap with the bottom of my fist and she slides right in. Sometimes it takes a second tap to get her past the second ring but this seems to work great for me and is a lot less akward than trying to work with one of those store bought tools.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: A little trick I've learned

From what I've found, puting pistons in an outboard engine is actually pretty easy, even without a ring compressor, because a lot of cylinders have a chamfer on the top to allow ease of installation. With a slight jiggle, most of them go right in.

 

[boobie]

Re: A little trick I've learned

Just make sure the ring end gap is lined up with the pin in the piston ring land when doing this.

 

[GatorMike]

Re: A little trick I've learned

Just make sure the ring end gap is lined up with the pin in the piston ring land when doing this.

Yeah that goes without saying reguardless of what method you use. I'm not saying this is any better than any other method, just that it worked for me. I was struggling with one of those store bought installers and remembered the last time I did it I used hose clamps. The advantage I found was it frees up both hands to work with. Just thought I would bring it up incase some other clumbsy ox like myself was having problems.

 

[Mas]

Re: A little trick I've learned

My only concern with a hose clamp is the possibility of "nicking/scratching" the piston, being that the hose clamp in very narrow and doesn't have a long smooth sleeve. If you install rings often in smaller bores such as outboards, the experts are able to compress the rings and install the pistons in their bores just using fingers tips. I, however, am no expert!

Mas

 

[boobie]

Re: A little trick I've learned

I've put pistons in cyl's already just using a small screw driver to compress the rings as you go. It's a P.I.T.A. but it can be done.

 

[F_R]

Re: A little trick I've learned

gatormike, thanks for sharing your experience. I would agree that the commercial band-type compressors are not only awkward, but are great ring-busters. They are fine on 4-strokes, but I never use them on pinned two-stroke pistons. The best ring compressors are the tapered sleeve type ones. But of course they are dedicated to a single bore size.

If I don't have a sleeve type that fits, I do as boobie said--fingers and a poke with a screwdriver.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: A little trick I've learned

In place of screwdrivers, I use a sharpened popsicle stick. It doesn't mark up the ring or piston...

 

[HighTrim]

Re: A little trick I've learned

I have heard good things about using a CLEAR plastic pop bottle with the ends cut off, slit down the center. This allows you to see the ring end gaps as you work. I plan on using the clear plastic "slip cover", with a hose clamp on it to free up my hands.

Have not personally tried this method yet, but will in about an hour when I start the rebuild on my Javelin.

 

[daselbee]

Re: A little trick I've learned

i have heard good things about using a clear plastic pop bottle with the ends cut off, slit down the center. This allows you to see the ring end gaps as you work. I plan on using the clear plastic "slip cover", with a hose clamp on it to free up my hands.

Have not personally tried this method yet, but will in about an hour when i start the rebuild on my javelin.

now that sounds like a winner to me!!!!

 

[boobie]

Re: A little trick I've learned

F_R, I think those ring compressors are still available but they are rather costly I would assume. I've used them yrs ago and they sure worked slick.

 

[F_R]

Re: A little trick I've learned

I have several of them for the larger motors, V-4's etc. Sure is a lot faster and easier.

Someday, I may make some for the smaller motors. Should be easy enough. Anybody interested in one??

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: A little trick I've learned

Yea, I just rebuilt a Ford 460 and the ring compressor was kind of a P.I.T.A. then too. It's too easy to have ring slip out.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: A little trick I've learned

Anybody interested in one??

I have a few 35hp projects coming up, pencil me in for one

 

[retiredfornow]

Re: A little trick I've learned

I use a fingernail on one side, and the top off a new tube of silicone seal, the cone shaped ones. Just run it around the ring with a slight downward pressure on the piston.

 

[F_R]

Re: A little trick I've learned

I have a few 35hp projects coming up, pencil me in for one

I already have an extra one. Sending you a PM.....