JE wrist pin clips

[brighton911]

I'm pretty sure I've read stories on how difficult it is to install JE clips and now I can add mine. Having worked on motorcycles for quite a few years, I've probably installed many hundreds of clips but nothing compares to how stiff the JE ones are. Even doing it on the bench was not fun, no way will it happen installing the second one with the cylinder studs in the way.
Has anyone used the Stomski pin tool to install them? How well did it work? Anyone have a 23 mm one they will loan or rent or sell to me? Thanks

[MBruns]

That tool is very good, both 22 and 23 are sweet, watch his video and stop the bleeding !
Mike Bruns

[enzo1]

[KTL]

I completely defer to Mike Bruns on using the Stomski tool since he's built more engines than most, and sweats the smallest of details. Reason I say that isn't just to pat Mike on the back, even though he deserves one for his professional advice he's always very willing to share with us average Joes.

I say that because some claim the JE wire locks can get stressed by the compression of the clip into the tool.

JE Wire Locks – A Cautionary Tale

I find that claim a bit hard to believe because you MUST compress the wire clips in order to force it into the receiving groove. Note that I posted some links from Mahle in the above link. It's become common knowledge that the Mahle clips are easier to compress than the JE clips and therefore Mahle's tips/tricks are easier to accomplish with "softer" clips

[MBruns]

Thanks Kevin, I install the clips half in/out at an angle as to not stress any more than needed, be sure to have your glasses on and point it away, the exposed open end of the clip finds the groove and push in like a syringe and its home, I like to detail the sharp ends of them as well as oil up the bore of the tool. The Je's are heavy compared to most anything else out there, if you look at them installed the chamfer on the pin to clip makes a more complete groove, if you notice on most the pins pound on the clips and hurt the grooves if they have the room to move.
Have Fun, Mike Bruns

[brighton911]

Thanks for your input Mike and Kevin. Oh boy, Mike M's engine failure is the stuff of nightmares for weeks to come. Even greater care will go into installing clips with the Stomski tool.

[KTL]

Since scary movies are the "in" thing nowadays, add my engine fail to your nightmares for the rest of the month?

Engine Bearing Failure- Disassemble Heads Too?

Not trying to make a pissing contest out of this. Mike Metzler's fail was worse than mine because major engine components came apart. My fail just hosed all the bearings.

[Trackrash]

Those clips are a PITA for sure. I bent one and had another go MIA across the shop before giving up and making a tool.

I used a thin piece of wood to hold the back of the piston steady. I ended up making my own tool, although mine were the 22mm pins.

All you need is a bolt that will fit nicely inside the piston pin and a pipe or tube that has an ID just a hair smaller in diameter than the hole in the piston. Machine off the head of the bolt so that it fits inside the tube and you are set.

I use the ratchet extension to push the clip in place.

[arbita1]

Here’s my version of the tool.



Use a small hammer to tap the end of the extension to seat the ring. It was horrible getting those in.

[brighton911]

Kevin, oh such a sad sight your failure was. After disasters like that, ones wish for that mythical time machine so you could just go back and do it differently.

Gordon and Matt thanks for chiming in. I understand what you have explained and I can see that doing the job too. Best part is, I can give it a try on the bench using the old clips to get a feel for it.

[john walker's workshop]

Love my Stomski tool. You can do the 22s by hand/fingers, but the 23s are near impossible.

['76 911S 3.0]

There aren't enough cuss words in the English language to accurately describe my feelings towards those clips...

[DRACO A5OG]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

Love my Stomski tool. You can do the 22s by hand/fingers, but the 23s are near impossible.

+1

I did mine by hand when I broke the Porsche Tool which is similar to the Stomski Tool.

Practice off the block and you will see, not a big deal at all, small screw driver to hold in place then walk it in, Voila!

Big CAUTION, stuff the holes with rags/tin foil as not to drop a clip in the block. Ask me how I know I got real lucky and was able to fish it out blind with a magnet.

[Ken911]

I always use the small screw driver/bloody fingers method. the stromski tool is for the thinner stock clips I thought.

[Jeff Alton]

I'm with Mike. Years ago I put a modified screw driver through my hand installing one of these, still have the scar. Picture my be archived in the engine building forum... Use the stomski tool on every aircooled motor we build now (stock, JE or CP). The factory M96/97 and 9A1 tools we have function in the same fashion.

[Jonny042]

What is the hot setup for removing the clips upon dissassembly? I used the "normal" method but feel I was gouging the pin bores in the pistons to an unnecessary degree, and they will require some time consuming cleanup/de-burring.

[al lkosmal]

Stomski tool is the one I use. Excellent tool.

regards,
al

[mepstein]

Originally Posted by al lkosmal

Stomski tool is the one I use. Excellent tool.

regards,
al

Stephen stops by the shop often. I think we have every tool he makes. Great stuff!

[brighton911]

Found this video from Mahle. They show a variety of techniques, granted for the much kinder Mahle clips. Of real interest, check out the cool installation tool at 4:37 . I just might try making one of them and give it try. Luckily I have time to play around, lots of snow on the ground for a while yet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kdhGBCpuxM

[wjdunham]

Originally Posted by Jonny042

What is the hot setup for removing the clips upon dissassembly? I used the "normal" method but feel I was gouging the pin bores in the pistons to an unnecessary degree, and they will require some time consuming cleanup/de-burring.

Never saw a reply to this post - lots of info on the installation, but can't find anything on the best way to remove the pins should that become necessary