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frustrated with installing pistons.

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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 02:10 AM
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Default frustrated with installing pistons.

Ive done a number of these in stock pistons but never on a aftermarket piston.

Im using probe pistons with .005over rings that are matched for this piston.

Im having issues installing the piston because the 3 part oil ring does not want to go into the bore, instead it comes out at the bottom of the piston compressor its like the damn oil ring isnt compressing in the piston ring compressor.

The middle ring in the 3 piece oil ring keeps popping out almost like its to big?

has anyone had this happen before? Ive tried till im blue in the face and have only had one piston actually get installed into the bore so far.
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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 02:26 AM
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You don't have a carbon ridge at the top of the bore do you?
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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 02:34 AM
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bores are freshly honed out to accomidate the slightly larger pistons..

I notice a "lump" on the piston compressor when i tighten it up fully.. its the ring hanging out of the grove not compressing in. I dont understand this.

Ive done a plenty of stuff like this before i dont see why this is whipping my *** but its not working at all..
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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 02:38 AM
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Are they file fit rings?
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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 02:47 AM
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yeah they are file fit rings... i seem to be only having issues with the oil rings.. Mainly the support center ring.. can these be filed down to fit right?
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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 03:03 AM
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Originally Posted by vetteboyc5
yeah they are file fit rings... i seem to be only having issues with the oil rings.. Mainly the support center ring.. can these be filed down to fit right?
No. Take the rings and put them in the bores. Make sure each one is filed right. If it checks out, no idea what it could be then.
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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 01:39 PM
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i have seen a couple scissor type ring compressors that jus didnt seat the bottom rings all the way in the groove unless it was positioned in a certain way...with a bit of finess you shouldnt really have a problem...
personally i like the tapered sleeve type ring compressors...
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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 06:24 PM
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It wouldn't hurt to check the ring grooves on the pistons either. I've personally seen a set of pistons, brand new, have a step in the ring grovve where the cutter must have broken during the machining process and made out of the factory. This was many years ago and the aftermarket has gotten way better as far as quality control, but something to check never the less.
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