Circlips

  • lovethemkzs
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Circlips

14 Feb 2026 12:14
#921478
I tried putting the circlips original ones back with the special tool I bought for 50 bucks but the way the Piston is machine the tool doesn't seat properly and I can't get it in.

 So my question is I found these 18 millimeter circlips With the holes that you use with a tool The pliers type For a Honda and Yamaha Is there a reason I can't use them I'll put a picture in The attachment They're both 18 millimeters so I don't know why there would be a problem.

 the diagram shows a piston circlip 18 mm that one's for a Yamaha but I don't see what the difference would be between engines it shows it for the wrist pin

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  • Cra-z1
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Re: Circlips

14 Feb 2026 14:08
#921481
Not sure why you need a 50 dollar tool to install a cir-clip. The inside cir-clip you show is normally found to hold something in place like a bearing. The grooves are normally machined with a flat surface (sides and bottom) piston clips are made with a round profile and the grove machined to match. Normally you can install Kawasaki clips (without the bend) by hand. The Yamaha clip you show you can use a pliers. I would not use the inside type of circlip you show for a wrist pin application 
 
The following user(s) said Thank You: sf4t7, Wookie58

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Re: Circlips

14 Feb 2026 14:16
#921482
+1 on Cra-z1's answer. If you look closely at your exploded diagram, the clips are not the same type, the Honda one shown is definitely for a bearing.
Scotty

1974 Z1A
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welded Z1 crank
Andrews 1X Cams
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Re: Circlips

14 Feb 2026 14:26
#921484
Originally I tried putting new rings on all the Pistons and put in the barrel on it having somebody help me putting the two and three in the cylinders then one in four
but we couldn't get them in it was a pain in the ass wind up Bending one of them, breaking one so I had to buy more Rings again this time I put the pistons in the barrel and I set it down

with a come along strap and I went to put it in without the tool and my fat fingers were too big to get in there between that to do it so I bought the tool and the tool does not align right when I snap it all the way in the clip doesn't come out and when I thought it did I looked on the ground and it was sitting on the ground here I almost put it together and without a clip that would have really been disastrous.

 so in short I have to put the Pistons in before the barrel then lower it on two and three put the circlips in lower it turn the crank to bring one in four up into position and then install them and that part would be even smaller so I believe that mother circlip would be better.

 now one of the pictures for Yamaha show it for a wrist pin and that is for a Yamaha 1100 so why can't I use that one

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  • Wookie58
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Re: Circlips

14 Feb 2026 15:15
#921485
As Cra-z1 said, the profile of the clip has to match the groove in the piston- not just round or square but also radius of the clip profile has to match. If not it will likely get dislodged and damage the bore

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  • lovethemkzs
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Re: Circlips

14 Feb 2026 15:35
#921486
I know that much, I'm just wondering why I couldn't use one of these instead of the original ones that's all I would make sure it was the same millimeter I wouldn't use an SAE type and the square Edge I would file round so with it perfectly in the groove I understand all that I'm just asking a simple question why couldn't I use one of them

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Re: Circlips

14 Feb 2026 17:18
#921488
Do you have your factory service manual open on your workbench?

Also, you must use clips that match the machining in the pistons. Best plan would be to buy the clips from the piston manufacturer, that way you know they match instead of assembling a possible time bomb.
Scotty

1974 Z1A
Yoshimura 987, 10.25:1
welded Z1 crank
Andrews 1X Cams
Delkevic 4 into 1
Superbike bars
530 conversion

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