Club 80-90 Forums

hi there all, have just replaced the rings on the pistons and the pistons are back connected.
however i am now having awful trouble getting the cylinders back over the pistons. i am using a ring compressor but just dont seem to be able to push the cylinder down. having dealt with a few bike engines in the past without a problem this has me stumped. i think that the bikes were a bit easier as gravity played its part and you didnt feel like you needed 3 hands! on the flat engine the piston seems to want to fall at an angle and makes life a bit difficult as you push the barrel down. so if anyone has any tips to help it would be much appreciated.

thanks

ian

Is the piston still on the rod?? Normal procedure is to fit the pistons to the barrel then refit the assy to the rod..
rings lubed up with oil?
sure the ring end gap is correct?

Hello,

What type of ring compressor are you using

Mine is of the metal shim type, the band being 50 mm, cranked by a 1/4 drive.

Cut a band of thick lino flooring 100 x 40 mm. This will serve as a cushion, place this under the piston resting on the cylinder head studs.

Oil well and set your rings at 120 degrees stagger

Put the ring compressor in position 2 mm below the surface of the piston, make sure it is really 'square on'

Oil the barrel, slide out the cushion and lift the piston to marry into the bottom of the barrel

You have remembered to grease the paper gasket onto the bottom of the barrel

Start the cylinder onto the studs, lift the piston from below, making sure all is lined up.

Normally a couple of good hard taps with the palm of your hand will suffice to traverse the rings.

Don't over tighten the piston ring clamp.

Then I use a block and mallet to drive the cylinder home.

Good luck,

Cordialement,

thanks for the tips

down the shed this morning

still couldnt get on with the pistons connected so took them off and did it on the bench.....easy peasy.... well less difficult anyway!

refitted no problem, just putting the heads on when.......................... i noticed i had put the pistons on the wrong way round

decided it was best if i just walked away at that point......

went back later and removed them again ready for tomorrow. im getting quite good at it now so i guess i will have it done a bit quicker this time!



ian