how hard is it to put your own pistons in? is there a lot of work to it, can anyone describe to me or tell me a place to find maybe pics

thanks alot

 

I think you need to get your cylinders honed after the install, which you need a machinist for. As far as actually installing, I don't think it is terribly hard, but I would like someones insight on this as well.

 

Its really easy with the right equipment. Im an ULTRA-ENGINE NEWB when it comes to working on engines and other mechanical stuff, and I did this without much difficulty at all. I honed the cylinders before I put'em in. Make sure you got enough lube to slip it right in there. I know if I could do it you can.

 

if you arent Boring the block, a regular flex hone will do the trick, and you will need a piston ring compressor. if you are new at this, not to be iggnorrant but i would seek help. if you break a ring you might not catch it till it is too late. someone with a little knowlege should be able to guide you on this. take care and goodluck either way.

 

yep... I used one of them compressors. I had some literature to help me aswell...

 

I wanna learn as well.

 

bump

 

can i rent one of those compressors? i know at like advance auto parts and auto zone you can rent spring compressors, and what does honeing do exactly, bring your cylinder walls back into spec?

thanks again guys

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Si Arn &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Its really easy with the right equipment. Im an ULTRA-ENGINE NEWB when it comes to working on engines and other mechanical stuff, and I did this without much difficulty at all. I honed the cylinders before I put'em in. Make sure you got enough lube to slip it right in there. I know if I could do it you can.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Hey Si Arn, how about a nice "How to Install Pistons: For Dummies" write up?
I may be installing rods soon, I was wondering how difficult it would be as well. I guess I am a little nervous about cracking the engine open for the first time.

&lt;---engine virgin

 

make sure you have all the right tools to do it, ie. - feeler guage, tourque wrench. ect

 

there isnt a to do for dummies on this. if you put the piston in and break the ring you may not know it till you start it and it eats oil like a bitch but here it goes quick and abbreveated.

oh and there is a top and bottom compression ring and they have to go in the right orientation. you really need a service manual for this as well.

assuming the pistons are already on the rods,

1 - stagger the rings as the manual says to.
2 - oil the pistons and the bores for lubrication.
3 - using a good ring compressor, yes you can get em at pep boys, compress the rings untill the tool is toght on the piston.
4 - put some fuel line on the rod bolts to make sure they done score the block or the rod journal.
5 - put the rod bearing in the seat.
6 - put some oil on the rod journal.
7 - using the handle of a hammer or a broom stick, something that wont mar the piston or the bore, tap the piston into the bore. MAKE SURE THE PISTON IS ORIENTED THE CORRECT WAY! THERE IS A FRONT AND BACK! and i know there is a special hammer for this but i dont have one.
8 - tap it all the way down, and install the rod cap with the other bearing half.
9 - torque to spec.
DO NOT QUOTE ME ON THIS&gt; I HAVE UNDOUBTEDLY FORGOTTEN SOMETHING!
i was also assuming the ring end gap was correct. you real;ly need a little help with this. it is easy the second time around.

 

its gotta be precise too, take your time, helms will help. we honed our own cylinder walls, and it wooped up on my back, from leaning over the block and moving the drill up and down in each cylinder. but it was a good experience.

 

Nobody has mentioned getting the new pistons onto the old rods. You'll need a press and some special holders. (Or someone to do it for you.)

 

it seems easy enough now that i read it but i am scared

 

Haha, Chiovnidca u definitely got the worst title i've seen so far.. who'd u **** off to get that one?

 

depends on what rods and pistons. free floaters are cake. you need an old toaster or a pot or boiling water after you get em apart, then try to get the installed height right. like i said before it is easy the second time around.

 

buy a HELM manual

 

LOL, I got tired of seeing "Honda-Tech Member" so I started a "Can I have a title thread?" knowing what would happen. I still don't know who gave it to me.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by whatVTEC &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">buy a HELM manual</TD></TR></TABLE>

Got one, but it still is very helpful to hear/read it explained by someone who has actually done it. Thanks for the helpful tips yall!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kwik2nec &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">its gotta be precise too, take your time, helms will help. we honed our own cylinder walls, and it wooped up on my back, from leaning over the block and moving the drill up and down in each cylinder. but it was a good experience. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Hey, how did that work out for you? I have seen those cylinder hones but I thought maybe it would be a bad idea. It could probably save some dough, rather than paying a machinist to do it for me.

 

Shoot I just did new bearings and rings. Its easy as pie.