.png "Powered by vBulletin")
Rebuilding my GS400 engine and need to slide the pistons with rings compressed into the head. One manual says a special ring compression tool is a must, another manual says a large hose clamp will do the trick, the last manual says you can compress it by hand without any tools. In peoples experience, what's the best method?
-
-
Have not done a 400, but have not used one yet on the 650, 850, 1000 and 1100 engines I have worked on.
It would be a treat to only have to worry about two pistons.
.sigpic
mine: 2000 Honda GoldWing GL1500SE and 1980 GS850G'K' "Junior"
hers: 1982 GS850GL - "Angel" and 1969 Suzuki T250 Scrambler
#1 son: 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale 1300 and 1982 GS650GL "Rat Bagger"
#2 son: 1980 GS1000G
Family Portrait
Siblings and Spouses
Mom's first ride
Want a copy of my valve adjust spreadsheet for your 2-valve per cylinder engine? Send me an e-mail request (not a PM)
(Click on my username in the upper-left corner for e-mail info.) -
They will make life way easier but not necessarily " needed". Some have used soda can metal cut to go the distance around the rings and a wide zip tie. Wrap the can stock around the piston and cinch with a zip tie so it still slides a little. Put the head on and work the pistons up in and then shimmy the can stock out.MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550
NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.
I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.Comment
-
Hey Steve..when i rebuilt the engine on the 73 Yamaha TX 750, I just sat the jugs on some wood and used two little screwdrivers and the pistons slid in like butter..and yes sir..2 jugs is a party compared to getting 4 in.MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550
NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.
I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.Comment
-
(Shrug) I used thumbnails to reassemble my 850, with twice the number of pistons...
What's needed more than a ring compressor is a scheme (usually wooden) to prevent nicking / harming the piston skirts while you work. As I recall, I cut some furring strips (basically 1x2) to slide under the pistons on both sides.and God said, "Let there be air compressors!"
__________________________________________________ ______________________
2009 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom, 2004 HondaPotamus sigpic Git'cha O-ring Kits Here!Comment
-
You should try an I4 that has integrated cylinders and upper crankcase. Trying to line up pistons and compress rings while juggling the crankshaft is... "fun".Comment
-
Finger tips and Popsicle sticks work the best for me.
Comment
-
Same here, I just use my fingers and cut a piece of wood as described in the manuals. Now that is for a 1000 not a 400 mind you, not sure if you would need a piece of anything since there's only 2 pistons.Rob
1983 1100ES, 98' ST1100, 02' DR-Z400E and a few other 'bits and pieces'
Are you on the GSR Google Earth Map yet? http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=170533Comment
Comment