Dirty 30

iTrader: (96)

I have some pistons that I'm trying to assemble and they have spiral wrist pin locks. I've been at it for 3 hours and only managed to get 1 piston/rod done. I got a couple more in on another one but the second lock won't sit in all the way. Is there a tool to get these on or something? I'm using my fingers and they hurt like a ****! Does anyone local install these?

Any help is appreciated.

1c62nv

iTrader: (3)

Ive done this often and just use the small pointed dental tool or pick. It works just fine for me

Dirty 30

iTrader: (96)

Is there a certain way that the ends are supposed to align or something?

1slow01Z71

iTrader: (36)

I took a small scewdriver and ground the tip into a smaller point to use a "pushing" tool to save my finger tips as you spiral the lock into the groove. There should be a relief cut in the piston where you start the lock and it should just continue to spin in with some persuasion.

Dirty 30

iTrader: (96)

Ah ok it does have that cut into them. I can get them both in except that with the second one, the tip sticks out and wont fit in the groove. Its like about 2-3mm of the end that wont go in.

1slow01Z71

iTrader: (36)

I also use a brass punch with a big end to tap the wrist pin once one side is done to make sure the wrist pin is seated into the other lock so the new one will for sure clear the wrist pin. If you use a point pick to stab the edge of the lock and make sure its not binding up. Dont know what to tell you more than that, Ive never really had much trouble with them. I still like snap locks better. They just pop right in from the side, no having to rotate a damn spiral lock in. Taking them out is even more fun

Dirty 30

iTrader: (96)

WooHoo! I got another one done. I tried the center punch idea except I used a deep socket that fits perfect and a rubber mallet to tap it a bit in place. Thanks! Hopefully I can get the rest done. The small screw driver helps a lot also. My fingers are sore from doing one piston yesterday. :-/

Dirty 30

iTrader: (96)

I also found this tool, (Clyde Norwood Lock-In-Tool) but they dont have a .945 size.

scj

iTrader: (89)

just start one side of the spiral, and push around with a small screw driver seating it into the groove, use the wrist pin to stop it from going too far in past the groove on the first side.

cambirdracing

iTrader: (4)

My 14 yo daughter and 17 yo step daughter assembled all 8 of my pistons in less than 30 minutes. They used the small screwdriver method.

Dirty 30

iTrader: (96)

Ok, i see what happened. The pistons that I have were missing most of the locks. The machine shop that balanced them etc, gave me some locks. Apparently he gave me some used ones and a few new ones. Well it was the used ones that were giving me a hard time. I didnt reallize that was the problem til I got to using the new ones. The new ones went in as smooth as butter, didnt even need the screwdriver for them. I finished them last nite

Thanks everyone!

Head Hunter

iTrader: (14)

I couldn't help but laugh when I read this... way to kick a man while he's down

cambirdracing

iTrader: (4)

I think they got lucky or I am a good teacher. I still havn't figured that one out yet.

But everybody gets kicked when they are down, just makes them stronger for the next time around.