Got the cylinder back on

We got the cylinder back on this morning. Sorry I don't have any pics, my camera battery died.

Thanks for all the great advice you guys gave to me. Here is how I got it done.

I made wooden piston supports just like the manual says. The only difference is I made my 6" long instead of 4". I put the supports under the center two pistons and turned the crankshaft until they were resting on the supports. At first I tried using my fingers to compress the rings, but that got my nowhere fast! I then switched to popsicle sticks. Someone else on here said it first, but popsicle sticks were made to install rings in cylinders! My Dad and I took our time and when back and forth between pistons. We installed one ring at a time.

Once the center two pistons were in, we shoved the cylinder down and started on the outer pistons. The outer pistons went much faster. Partly because we had figured out what we were doing by then, and also they are easier to get to.

Now I'm going to grab a cold one, stare at my bike, and dream of the day that it roars to life again!

Now I'm going to grab a cold one, stare at my bike, and dream of the day that it roars to life again!

I like your style.

I tried using my fingers to compress the rings, but that got my nowhere fast! I then switched to popsicle sticks.

???

I'm sorry but your gonna have to explain that one to me. How do you use popsicle sticks to put rings in??

I am the one that said to use popsicle sticks. I think someone laughed when I first said it months ago. The 4" wooden supports will work, but they will be short if the motor is on the wrong stroke. Stick the supports in from the front and if they are short, remove them and turn the motor over again until the rods go the other side of the crank. Don't matter in your case as you already made some longer ones. With the beveled edge or chamfered edge at the bottom of the cylinder, it acts like a funnel and you don't really need ring compressors. A lot of regular ring compressors can't be used anyways. Just got to walk or rock the cylinder over one ring on one side and then go to the other side. Didn't take me long to do mine and all went well. Too bad I sold the bike today and it went to Mississippi. Good luck with your project. I think someone else said chopsticks, doesn't matter wood or plastic. Just don't want to use metal objects as you might scratch the rings.

I tried using my fingers to compress the rings, but that got my nowhere fast! I then switched to popsicle sticks.

???

I'm sorry but your gonna have to explain that one to me. How do you use popsicle sticks to put rings in??[/quote]

I used the sticks to press the rings into their grooves to allow the cylinder to slide over them. My Dad would take one popsicle stick and press the ring 180 degrees from the gap. I would then use two sticks to press on either side of the gap. It worked like a charm!

Ahhh... I get it now. That makes sense.

sweet.....you are on your way......

Popcycle sticks were invented for installing piston rings. People don't believe me. :laugh:

the reason i like to use chop sticks is they are longer and its easier to get in around the cylinder stud with them also they dont come apart like popsicle sticks sometimes do.

I used chop sticks yesterday, worked great.

Better late than never. Here's the pics

Nice clean looking install. Looking good!