Best Way to Install P/C's

[flmont]

Say Gang,.. well finally able to install my PC's on a 81' 3.0...what is the best way .Piston into cylinder then to rod,..or piston on rod and then the cylinder,. I have a bit of trouble lineing up the pin with the rod once the cylinder is installed on the piston,..could the second way be the best ?????????????? Thanks Frank

[anh911]

I prefer to install pistons into the cyl then onto rod. This way I can use a full ring compressor. Other people prefer to use the pliers type compressors and install the pistons onto the rods first. Whichever you use don't forget the cylinder sealing rings and circlips on both sides of the wristpins. Follow Wayne's suggestion and use plastic wrap over the openings in the block so you don't drop a clip in there.

[Wayne 962]

Both ways work, but I feel that putting them on while the pistons are on the engine (what the factory recommends) can lead to a broken ring, if you're not a professional.

-Wayne

[flmont]

I understand why,..But its harder to line up the pin..I think I'll try both ways??? Thanks Frank

[Doug Zielke]

The key to putting the cylinders over pistons/rings already on the rods, is a quality ring compressor. I have the Snap-on plier/band type, and it works perfectly. On all the engines I have worked on, I have never put the piston inside the cylinder first, so I don't know how that would work.

[john walker's workshop]

to ease getting the pin started in the rod, tap the pin thru the piston so about 1/16" of the pin protrudes thru the inside of the piston. just enough to still allow the piston to go over the rod. then start the pin into the rod and tap it thru.

[flmont]

OK Thanks,..here is another Question...is 160 mm or 0.063 too much Deck height on a 81 3.0 at 60 Deg F....Thanks Frank

[mtelliott]

I just rebuilt my engine and used the piston into the cylinder then onto the rod. Puttinging the clips into the piston to secure the rod to the piston was a bear. Took a lot of playing to figure out how to do it efficiently. If I had the right tool, I would have preferred to install the piston onto the rod, then install the cylinder over the piston. Would have saved a lot of time. Maybe if you have good hand dexterity it would be easier but it was a chore for me.

[flmont]

Yes Iam doing it the same way...Thanks Frank

[ChrisBennet]

If you are installing the piston in the cylinder first, it's a lot easier to put one of the wrist pin clips in while the piston is on the bench. Just be aware of what side to you are going to need to access when installing them.
I've done it both ways. I think Wayne makes a very good point. For me, the thick JE wrist pin clips are such a pain to install (I find it almost impossible) that I have to put the pistons on the rods first. For "normal" wrist pin clips I think I'll switch to to piston-in-cylinder-first method from now on.
-Chris

[cstreit]

I like putting the piston in the cylinder first. I feel like I can align it better and reduce the risk of breaking a ring.