Posted by rickyracer (IP: 38.27.174.164) on November 02, 2000 at 21:18:39:
In Reply to: Rings, & Main, Rod bearings. Tips????? posted by Steve-S on November 02, 2000 at 20:16:48:
you'll have to pull the head, otherwise you'll never get the pistons in from the bottom end. You can't compress the rings. A good ring compressor is a must. I prefer the solid type that fits your bore size only. They cost a little more but they are more user friendly, compress the rings even & don't slip. Press the ring compressor evenly and solidly down on the block surface when you insert the piston. Use the rubber hoses on the rod bolts. They help to guide the rod and protect the rod journals. Rotate the whole assembly each time you put a part in. That way if something is wrong you'll know where to look for the problem. Oil the rings/pistons before inserting them. Oil only the bearing surface and not under the bearings themselves.
: I have the rings & bearings. I'm going to read up on it in my Chiltons. I'm wondering if any of you have any tips for this process at all?
: The chap at the parts store said I would have to take off the head to get the pistons back in so I went ahead and got a complete gasket set. While I was there I noticed a set of rubber 'boots' designed to go over the threaded end of the bolts for the rods to prevent scratching & gouging while re-installing the pistons. Is that a Major concern? Is it a common occurence?
: Thanks again for all the help.
: Steve-S