Installing cylinders, broke rings

Tried to install the cylinders and broke two rings, I have no ring compressors, so everything is being done by hand. Need to do it right this time because the rings are expensive. Any suggestions for the next time, Other than taking to the shop. thanks

 

You can make ring compressors out of empty "tin" cans and hose clamps. You'll need to find cans that are appropriately sized and don't have any ribs (tuna fish cans?) and cut the top ring and bottom out of the can, slit down the side. Trim so has about 1/4" overlap when wrapped around the piston. Oil well, wrap around piston/rings, tighten hose clamp gently until rings compressed. Once cylinders in position, loosen clamps ever so slightly and voila! I have used this method and it works, the only caveat being the very sharp edges of the cans once cut. Smooth with a file and/or wear gloves.

 

Yes, as BigFitz said, the tin can method works OK for a single time use. One other thing though; I know you're probably frustrated now and in a hurry. Don't forget to measure your new ring end gap, both top and bottom of the bore, prior to installing them on the pistons. Save yourself more grief.

 

Have someone you know that is a good woodworker make you a JIG that you can use to HOLD all the Cylinders level.
Two pieces of wood that fit under the front and back of the Pistons.

You'll be able to manage the placement of the Block and feed-in the Pistons without having to "Back-track" and do ones that get moved back out on you.

Then, you don't feel like you're dealing with an unruly situation and can concentrate on feeding-in the Pistons and rings without wishing you had two more arms for the job.

 

I kinda hate to say this, but a ring compressor is much cheaper than a set of rings. You can always sell it if you don't want to keep it.

 

JC Whitney has the type of Plier Handle Ring Compressor Tool you'll need to get the job done, on sale ... right now!

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Prod ... compressor

 

In the good old days, I just used a clamp to compress the rings. In the plumber department, they have larger ones. Haven't done it now for years.

 

Most auto parts stores will rent ring compressors. Basicly you buy the tool the you get a refund when it is brought back. Costs you nothing in the end.

 

I have one made like this and it is an excellent tool. I have used it to build hundreds of engines. It will work great on a bike engine because it can be released to take it off the piston very easily. Just make sure that the small tangs on the clamp that keep it from going into the cylinder are facing the jug. I highly recommend one like this and it is a good price. I gave 70- something dollars for mine 30 years ago.
It sure beats breaking rings. Even if the rings were free it wold save a lot in time and travel to get new ones.

 

I guess I just don't understand...how do these work/help? I've never installed new rings.

 

I broke rings using a compressor, then nailed it when I did it by hand. In my opinion its much easier by hand. doing it by hand lets you feel what your doing; pinch each one and slide them in. I feel the ring compressor is more for when the jugs dont have a lead in like the xjs do. I did it solo using my knees to lower it down, but would have been much easier with someone lowering the jug while i fed them in.

 

I see what you mean.
My compressor is a sleeve with a allen wrench tightening screw.
It would be a hassle to turn the screw all the way out to get the band from around the piston.

 

KD
The ring around the piston is split.
It slides down over the piston and fits in a groove.
At this point it hangs out around the piston all over.
When you compress the ring, in the groove, so that the split part touches, it is essentially the same size as the piston.
When the band is placed around the piston, compressing the rings, you can now slide the piston into the jug.
As the ring clears the band it expands to the cylinder wall.
With out a compressor you would have to use your hand squeeze each band as you feed the piston into the jug, as someone here said they did.

 

Geszzzzzz it costs $5 to rent ring compresssors at tool rental place, just go rent one for the afternoon....

 

The sleeve type with the square or hex key won't work on a motorcycle. The type that was shown above is great. You squeeze the compressor together with something that looks like something similar to a long pair of needle nose. It locks in position and you slide it into the cylinder and release the clamp. It will come right off.
I have built many engines without a compressor, a lot with the sleeve type and this one made me throw my sleeve type in the trash. You would not believe how easy it is.

 

The plier type ARE the way to go, but with an XJ motor, don't you really need 2? I've not had the joy of pulling the jugs on one of these 4-bangers yet, from the book it looks like they go back in pairs?

 

I've always used the tapered compressors. Unfortunately they're only useful for that sized ring, but they seem to get a lot better squeeze and keep the rings clock right where you want them.

p.s. Anyone who tries to put pistons into ANY motor without a compressor is WRONG lol........good luck