TR6 Necessity is the mother of invention

nichola · May 4, 2020

There is no possible way to get those pistons into the cylinders. Tried both can style and pliers style compressors. The latter is the way to go because my (cheap) can style compressor would rotate the ring gaps as I tightened it. Even with a decent pliers style compressor I could not keep that thin oil scraper ring from peeking out below the compressor and halting my progress.

Finally I got one installed with home made addition to the tool, picture below.

I wish there were some non adjustable tapered compressors like for small block Chevy, the pistons virtually fall into the cylinders with those.

Five more to go, mañana cuz it’s whiskey time.

glemon · May 4, 2020

That looks like a good set up. I remember fitting the pistons on my first rebuild without any tool at all, but so long ago I don't recall exactly how I did it. I have had pretty good luck with the can style compressor I acquired later, though it still seem to takes little finesse to get them in.

bobhustead · May 5, 2020

If the pistons are used, are the ring lands free of carbon? Are the ring end gaps properly filed? if 3 piece oil rings, are the waffle pieces installed so you can see the different paint spots at the ends? I worry about breaking rings when the fit is tight.
Bob

Martin Secrest · May 5, 2020

I am impressed by your determination and by that beautiful clean block of British iron. Go on and combust with your bad self.

Rut · May 5, 2020

I’ve had problems before when installing pistons and my machine shop/engine builder came out to my house to give me advice. He positions everything using the can style compressor with the piston lubed and gives it a sharp hit with the butt of a rubber hammer handle. Easy peasy...
Rut

nichola · May 5, 2020

glemon said:
That looks like a good set up. I remember fitting the pistons on my first rebuild without any tool at all, but so long ago I don't recall exactly how I did it. I have had pretty good luck with the can style compressor I acquired later, though it still seem to takes little finesse to get them in.

The can style would have worked except they rotate those end gaps out of position as you tighten it down.

nichola · May 5, 2020

bobhustead said:
If the pistons are used, are the ring lands free of carbon? Are the ring end gaps properly filed? if 3 piece oil rings, are the waffle pieces installed so you can see the different paint spots at the ends? I worry about breaking rings when the fit is tight.
Bob

They are new pistons, .020 over, weight matched, from Wishbone, who also supplied the Hastings rings. The ends of the waffle pieces look like a couple hands together in praying position, pointed up toward top of piston.

nichola · May 5, 2020

Martin Secrest said:
I am impressed by your determination and by that beautiful clean block of British iron. Go on and combust with your bad self.

Good one, Martin. Can’t wait for one of those pistons to go bang, in a good way.

nichola · May 5, 2020

Rut said:
I’ve had problems before when installing pistons and my machine shop/engine builder came out to my house to give me advice. He positions everything using the can style compressor with the piston lubed and gives it a sharp hit with the butt of a rubber hammer handle. Easy peasy...
Rut

Rut, I had a text message ready to send to the machine shop, but decided to try the mechanical assist first, holding that compressor down so the bottom oil scraper would not pop out. Also had to fiddle with (grind) the bottom of the compressor where the squeezing mechanism is riveted/welded to the “can.” It was so thick there that it was hard to seat it into the recess at the top of the cylinder... mine’s a ‘73.

bobhustead · May 5, 2020

Did you put the rings in the cylinders before installation and check the end gaps? The fact that they are new doesn't change the need for this step.
Bob

nichola · May 5, 2020

bobhustead said:
Did you put the rings in the cylinders before installation and check the end gaps? The fact that they are new doesn't change the need for this step.
Bob

Yep, did that. Thanks Bob.

bammons · May 6, 2020

Getting ready to do this soon on the TR4A so thanks for the tip! Bruce

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TR6 Necessity is the mother of invention

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