Which piston ring compressor?

[caduceus]

I will be rebuilding my TVR Rover V8 this weekend and the one thing I am missing is a piston ring compressor. Seeing as this is my first time, I want something user friendly. Or is it a piece of the proverbial to do anyway and any compressor will do?

So far I've found this one from Cromwell Tools, who have a branch in Barking: https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/automotive/piston-...

There is a Sealey one from Demon Tweeks, but I'm not driving 3 hours there to get it tomorrow.

Any helps greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Cad

[Boosted LS1]

I hate those. Better to buy a proper ARP product in your bore size. Life's a doddle with no breakages.

[caduceus]

Boosted LS1 said:

I hate those. Better to buy a proper ARP product in your bore size. Life's a doddle with no breakages.

I suppose they are only available at Demon Tweeks...

[Steve_D]

I put the new pistons in my TVR RV8 earlier this week.
Strip of ali sheet and a jubilee clip.
Job done.

Steve

[caduceus]

Steve_D said:

I put the new pistons in my TVR RV8 earlier this week.
Strip of ali sheet and a jubilee clip.
Job done.

Steve

Yes, but you're a mechanical engineer and have expert achievement unlocked before you even start

[stevieturbo]

caduceus said:

I suppose they are only available at Demon Tweeks...

Lots of companies make a 1 piece size specific compressor.

Whether anywhere in the UK has stock is another matter though.

Pretty much all the other tools are ste though, but are still usable.

[Boosted LS1]

You want this but in your bore size. Life's a doddle.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/272063547488?lpid=1...

Real Steal may have one.

[caduceus]

Boosted LS1 said:

You want this but in your bore size. Life's a doddle.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/272063547488?lpid=1...

Real Steal may have one.

I need one tomorrow :|

[PeterBurgess]

Hiya
I use this style, link to Halfords where you may get one today?
http://www.halfords.com/workshop-tools/tools/hand-...
As with any ring compressing technique it works best with practice.
Oil the piston and the inside of the compressor, tighten the clamp and then using a dead blow hammer ( or something which will not damage the compressor or piston underneath) tap the areas all round the two compression bands to settle the rings and the clamp. See if the clamp tightens a little further after this. The compressor tends to 'spiral' the compressing sheet at times so just tap the edges to make sure they are level. Tap the piston a little to bring the skirt below the compressor to make it easier to slip the piston into the bore. Make sure the big end will clear the crank webs and go for it in one steady motion using say the shaft of a hammer to push the piston in....the nerve wracking bit.
A word of caution for fitting pistons, not for you as you will not have cutouts at the top of the bore?...if the top of the bore has valve clearance cutouts make sure the ring gaps are not adjacent to this or they will snap when fitted....been there done that!
Good luck

Peter

[caduceus]

Thanks Peter. I don't have a dead blow hammer yet. What size/weight one would you recommend? I've seen some 'Thor' ones in the'Tooled-up' website, that also sell the ring compressor (Sealey).

Cheers

[PeterBurgess]

Hi again
here is a link to Halfords again showing some Sealey dead blow hammers I would go for the 2.50# one as they are useful for tapping things into/out of place on engine builds!
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
These soft hammers are good as well (web exclusive at Halfords)
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-maintenance/b...

Peter

[stevieturbo]

The one Peter inked is probably the most common generic one. Mine is Sykes, but no doubt they're all the same.

Be very careful using it, ensure at all times the entire compressor is tight to the block face. Tapping around it with a hammer if need be ( lightly ! )
Of course if the taper at the top of the bore is good...then it's so thin it can then fall into this which makes things more difficult.
For this type it's actually nearly better to have hardly any taper.

I've often been tempted to buy this style...but never did.



Or another variation on the 1 piece theme that looks qutie good and with a bit of tubing and patience could maybe make yourself ?

[Boosted LS1]

I'd never heard of a dead blow hammer until just now. I'v always used the wooden handle of my regular hammer. It's gently tapped plenty of pistons into place :-).

With the pukka ring compressors you just push the pistons home with your thumbs.

One thing OP, it never pays to rush these jobs especially piston rings. It's a ball ache if you snap one and have to source 1 replacement ring. If for any reason one piston won't go home easily then have a cup of tea before assessing the problem. Oil the tops of the bores to.

Edited by Boosted LS1 on Saturday 27th August 09:31

[one eyed mick]

For years until I saw a Snap On dead blow ,hammer shaft was the thing , any thing from littlies to 7" pistons ,as ever Pat and Percy are your best buddies [patience and percyverance ]

[stevieturbo]

Dead blow can be nice....never had any issue with the wooden handle of a normal hammer either.

[caduceus]

Thanks for the replies all. Appreciate it. I'm off to Tooled up to get that hammer and piston compressor. Then, get the kettle on when I get in, set everything out, shut he garage door and lock myself in for an afternoon of final engine washing, air lining out, and rebuilding. Starting with the core plugs

[james7]

I have a few types and sizes which are always useful to have but nicest to use is this one https://store.snapon.com/Ring-Compressors-Ring-Com... I think its the set I have and so far it has done most things but iirc i got a couple of extra size bands for it.
Easy to use and you can see and feel if the rings are compressed properly.
And as said previously a dead blow hammer is nicer to use for it.

[Steve_D]

Benefit is that you can close it around the piston nice and slowly and shimmy it side to side ensuring the rings are still seated in their grooves.



Steve

[PaulKemp]

I use one like the original posters hyperlink and it's just fine
Use the wooden handle of a hammer to ease the rings down
I make sure the bore and rings are clean and coated with oil

[Sardonicus]

The only style worth using on bigger pistons IMO