Installing piston rings with pistons attached

[cmcfaul]

Is there a specific ring compressor that will enable me to install the pistons, with rings, into the jugs while the pistons are still attached to the rods?

Bought a ring compressor but will need to remove the pistons from the rods to use it. Would like to keep the pistons attached if possible.

Chris

73 911 E

[cgarr]

There are tools that will come apart but I found them kind of clunky to handle and sometimes too big. I made one out of a simple clamp and lined it with teflon tape.

[cmcfaul]

nice work. Would think there is somthing like that available. Or am I being ignorant and should just take the pistons off. Just seems like extra steps taking them off then back on.

Chris

[cgarr]

Here is something real simple you can even make out of some of that metal banding strap or any type of spring steel, you just use some grips to compress it but it usually takes two people if the pistons are already on the engine.

[304065]

Hazet 794U-3. Buy one today before the price goes up any further!

[donald]

Most tool companies make a tool you are looking for. Here is the link for Sears:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM209382920P?prdNo=12&blockNo=12&blockType=G12

It is a KDT850 (KD Tools).

I was looking to use the same process you are trying. But after spending a considerable amount of time on one of the cylinders, I found it much easier and more beneficial to remove the pistons. The biggest advantage is room to work. Those darn head studs got in the way. Another advantage was being able to check the wrist pin (sp).

The biggest disadvantage was replacing the c-clip for the wrist pin. If you do remove the pistons, when you install the wrist pins, make sure all and I mean ALL of the holes to the block are covered. Those wrist pins can fly very easily.

I still believe that it is easier to remove the pistons from the connecting rod.

I am sure you can get the appropriate tool. Good luck.

[cmcfaul]

my thoughts exactly. I can easily see one of those pins dropping into the block. Also, it's easy to damage the piston taking the circle clips out. I checked Sears and Advanced Auto...no luck. Going to check another store that, according to their web site, has what I am looking for.

Can't wait to have it all together.

Chris

73 911 E

[Tyson Schmidt]

But it's so much easier to remove the pistons, install them into the barrels, then install them on the rods.

The wrist pins are easy to remove if you use a heat gun on the top of the piston. The they just slide right out. Same for reassembly.

Far less likely to break a ring when installing pistons in the cylinders with them lying flat on a table.

[cmcfaul]

Found the perfect tool at CarQuest. Installed all the pistons / rings into the cylinders with no problems at all. This is also the way the manual says to do it. Went to three other auto parts stores before finally finding what I was looking for.

Engine is officially in reassembly mode :-)

Chris
73 911 E

[bahnzai]

Chris,
Any chance of a picture and CarQuest part number of the tool you used?
Thanks,
Danny

[cmcfaul]

This is what I found. I cut off the excess. After the pistons have been inserted into the jugs it simply unclips and can be pulled out. Worked perfectly. Has a fine adjustment screw that I tightened by hand when the compressor was clamped on to get the rings exactly flush with the pistons.

[bahnzai]

Thanks Chris! Never hurts to see what works for somebody else.

[cmcfaul]

NP it's what these boards are all about

[lindy 911]

I just had all of my cylinders off for a through bolt o-ring replacement and left the pistons on the rods. I have JE pistons and the cir-clips are a real pain. The plumbing section at Lowes has a 3/4" X 4" stainless steel hose clamp that worked very well. Open the hose clamp, put it around the rings, put it together and tighten the screw until it almost wont move then slide the cylinder on over the rings. Take the clamp apart and repeat.

Lindy

[cmcfaul]

I thought about going the hose clamp route. Glad to hear it was not my mechanical ineptitude in getting the circle clips off the JE pistons. Found it difficult to do without damaging the piston. Did not want to attempt it on all 6. Saved many hours doing them attached plus better end result.

Chris 73 911 E