No ring compressor

Anyone have tips for installing the cylinder block without a compressor ?

Also, I’m going to be honing, mainly because my number 3 cylinder has a strange pit ( also the cylinder the has flooded with fuel many times). Since I’m no changing rings should I hone them all and allow the rings to seat to the new hone, or hone just the one cylinder?
Let me know what you think.
-eric

I can’t find the post from our member that shared this method with us. This is not his picture but one I found similar. Maybe other members will remember the post and find the picture. But this one shows the basic idea. I can’t help you with honing part of you question.

I usually set two of the cylinder up high while the other two cylinder are set low. I slowly insert the block into the first two pistons, using my fingers to help with the rings. I tap the block slowly using my hands. The block needs to go down evenly, so when tapping tap on one side of the block and then tap on the other side. Once two of the pistons are completely in the block, work on the other two by tapping the block further down. Of course I lube the rings and cylinder walls before installing the block, it helps with installation. Its much easier if you have two people. One holding the block while the other aligning the block. You can always use a piece of wood to support the block too.

Remember nice and easy taps, its should go in nice and smoothly. It might be stuck on a ring, if so bring the block up a little and try again.

I would only add that in my case the fact the machine shop, that bored my cylinders, did an outstanding job of chamfering AND polishing the bottom of the sleeve was a huge benefit.. This resulted in very easy insertion of the pistons and rings. I was surprised now easy the pistons and rings went in.
Rick H.

This method will allow preset ring orientation to be maintained throughout the installation process.



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