9 replies to this topic

[tomgale]

hi, im starting my engine build soon and am looking at one of these instead of a normal piston ring compressor:

http://www.swiftune....ation-tool.aspx

basically has anyone ever used one? will the fact that the closest size to mine (std 998) is actually 998+20? im a bit inexperienced with this sort of thing

[TopCatCustom]

They are good but of course you need a different one for every size bore you ever need to work with, which could get very expensive!

[mike.]

No need going to that expense, you can get a normal piston ring compressor from halfords for about a tenner and they work fine for inexperienced engine builders.

I used a halfords job on my first engine build and the pistons slipped in with ease. Just make sure you oil the rings, bore and inside of the compressor with plenty of oil.

[jamie@thefatgarage]

I've used the same cheap piston ring compressor on loads of engine builds. As long as you lube it up really well and make sure you hold it tight and square against the block you should have no problems.

I often use a wooden hammer shaft across the top of the compressor to hold it down while someone else shoves the piston down. This stops piston rings getting out before they enter the bore which is the main problem. Works very well.

[mk1leg]

I use a baked been tin and a pair of mole grips works fine for me.............

[tomgale]

cheap halfords jobbie should do then? cheers guys!

[bardan]

Those are great. That being said...If you had an engine build shop you would get multiple uses and it would pay for itself (they are gentle on new rings). For a hobbyist, do the low budget ring compressor and be carefull.

[Cooperman]

You are probably moe likely to break a ring(s) taking them off the new pistons to check the ring gap and replacing them onto the pistons prior to installation into the bores.

[TopCatCustom]

You are probably moe likely to break a ring(s) taking them off the new pistons to check the ring gap and replacing them onto the pistons prior to installation into the bores.

Cooperman- when I did my last V8 I gapped every ring in prosective bores and did not fit them to pistons first- I dont know how you could gap them when fitted?

The procedure was- place ring in bore, use piston upside-down to push it in about an inch (leave an old ring/oil scraper in the piston as a stop), get the feeler gauges in and measure the gap, pull out, file re-check. Then there is no fitting to pistons and each ring is checked in the bore it will live, and a short way down the bore where it will be operating so no lip around the top can throw it out.

Regards,
TC


ah- or do you assume that the new rings come fitted to the pistons when bought?

[Cooperman]

You are probably moe likely to break a ring(s) taking them off the new pistons to check the ring gap and replacing them onto the pistons prior to installation into the bores.

Cooperman- when I did my last V8 I gapped every ring in prosective bores and did not fit them to pistons first- I dont know how you could gap them when fitted?

The procedure was- place ring in bore, use piston upside-down to push it in about an inch (leave an old ring/oil scraper in the piston as a stop), get the feeler gauges in and measure the gap, pull out, file re-check. Then there is no fitting to pistons and each ring is checked in the bore it will live, and a short way down the bore where it will be operating so no lip around the top can throw it out.

Regards,
TC

When you buy a set of Hepolite,and most other makes, they come with the rings already on, so you have to remove them to do the gap check. It also helps woith the 'dummy-build' if the rings are off. I guess we've all broken a ring 9or 2) when taking them off or re-fitting them. There is then 4-letter one word which applies. I can't say what it is, but it begins with 's' and ends in 't'

ah- or do you assume that the new rings come fitted to the pistons when bought?