installing pistons

Chris Smith

I made several attempts to install #1 piston Sunday and finally gave up as I did not want to damage a ring trying. I used a ring compressor and usually never have a problem. What I think is going on is that when the machine shop cut the deck on the block and bored it, they did not bevel the top edge. There is a fairly sharp edge at the top of the bore and I think thats whats keeping the ring compressor from doing its job. My question is how can I safely bevel the bore edge? I really don't want to load the engine up and head to the machine shop if I dont have to and I'd like to have a uniform edge on all the cylinders.

[Deleted User]

just make sure no ring is set with the opening facing the cut out sections. Walt.

[Deleted User]

Go to auto parts store and buy a 41/4 inch hose clamp. Take off top ring. Clamp the bottom one first; then second and third grove together-put top ring on and clamp. Works very well. If the machine shop didn't chamfer, take some emery cloth and smooth the edges.

Geoff

You can safely cut a chamfer by hand around the top of the bore using a bearing scraper, or a small file. Doesn't need much. If the rings are pinned in position you need to take extra care that they are all sitting evenly over the pin. What engine are you working on? If '54 with the cut-away portion facing the valves as Walt says, make sure you have the gaps away from that section.