Not sure what I'm doing wrong but I cannot install those suckers to save my life. Any tricks?

 

Erik at HK Engines might be able to lend some advice

 

I found this nifty tool and copied it on a lathe and it works well.

 

^ that tool is for installing spirolocks, also known as $*&*@#s. They tend to be a biotch to install and worse to remove, but I don't think I've ever heard of one failing.
These look like spring wire clips. Can't you squeeze 'em down with channel locks and get 'em in?

 

All my snowmobile engines use that type of pin retaining ring, they are a bit of a pain, but I find them easier to install than spirolocks. make sure the ends of the ring are not exposed in the big groove.
Insert the clip away from the big groove, then you can use a small screwdriver in that groove to help pry the clip into place. HTH

 

Why?

Mahle doesn't say anything about where the end of the clip should or should not be. The first few I did the end of the clip is in the groove. Then I found it easier to install if I bridge the groove.

 

I emailed Mahle this morning and they confirmed the ends of the clip should not be exposed in the little "window". Would have been nice of them to specify in their instructions.

Several minutes of cussing ensued when I read that.

I guess I will be pulling out 4 pistons to rotates the clip. wtf!

By the way, this oil ring support is a bitch to deal with. It's difficult to cram the support, the two oil rings and the expander all into one groove and make sure the expander is behind the rings.

 

yup