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Date:         Mon, 9 Dec 2013 13:48:28 -0500
Reply-To:     Derek Burgess <ddb.graphic@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Derek Burgess <ddb.graphic@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: compressing piston rings in engine
In-Reply-To:  <CAFNeVpHo4ao8hfbg3TCtufLmvS2MABvwFomwKWhzT_e0u-RuTw@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

I know this isn't a direct answer to your question: but it's really alot easier to pull the pistons, get them into the cylinders on a bench and then install the two together. I think pulling circlip's and piston pins much easier than trying to push a cylinder down over a piston still attached to the rod. Use rags to clog the cylinder bores, do not want circlips flying down into the block.. "would not be funny" -Ben

-Derek 1990 GL Automatic "Vikki"

On Mon, Dec 9, 2013 at 1:33 PM, Tom Carchrae <tom@carchrae.net> wrote:

> Dear List, > > I am trying to get the rings compressed (with pistons attached to rods and > engine in the car). I am currently in practice mode - using the old rings > but I am finding, as warned, this is bloody tricky. Not to mention it is > getting awfully cold outside - my hands nearly froze to the cylinders > yesterday (I am now storing them inside). > > Some observations: > > 1) I have a standard blue steel compressor: http://goo.gl/Eapbve (which > has now been cut down as slim (width) as possible, thereby removing a strip > of steel that I could also use with a hose clamp) and it very nearly fits > (or maybe not) in the tight space between the water jacket and the sleeve. > If you've used one in this scenario, where did you locate the compressor > ratchet mechanism when doing the last cylinder: top, bottom, side? The > bottom seems to nearly work. > > 2) Even if I were to get the standard compressor to fit, how on earth will > I remove it? I would need to unwind it all the way and slide it out I > guess? Or unwind it so it fits around the cylinder? I can see being able > to do that on the first cylinder, but that seems practically impossible on > the second one when there is no room. If you've used the compressor (hi > Alistair!), which route did you go? > > 3) It seems that the VW specific ring tool ( http://goo.gl/RdkUEp ) would > be much easier to remove (but looks like fun job to get it to compress). > Alas, while it ranges from $5-10, it seems to be out of stock in Canada > and about $30-40 to ship. Bah. I'm considering making one from the steel > I cut from the compressor. > > 4) I really liked the zip tie then cut idea from Angus Gordon. I have a > hose clamp, but tightening it would seem quite difficult. I presume that > the way you would tighten a hose clamp is by going in the same access hole > (water pump/pipes holes) when you are doing the last cylinder? > > 5) It seems the sensible order to attach cylinders would be first the two > on the rear/flywheel side and then follow by front/pulley side. > > I am considering dropping the engine, if only so I can (a) get better > access, (b) haul the engine inside to be warmer or god forbid (c) admit > defeat and take it to a shop who will roll eyes, cluck, and then likely > punish me for my arrogance. I guess most VW mechanics are used to some of > that. > > As always, thanks in advance for any illumination. > > Tom >


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