I will first say I am always learning, but I am not new to Honda engine building, However I have never worked with the OEM press fit pins in the pistons (always been aftermarket pistons with clips/springs)

Set-up, Brand new from the dealer ITR short block, CTR pistons.

Can I just use a standard press to press the pins from the ITR pistons, Install the CTRs on the rods and press the new pins in? Is there a special tool or procedure I should know, do I need to heat the rod/pin or is it as easy as it looks?

Second, any reason I can't remove the brand new 81.00 rings from the ITRs and reinstall them on the CTRs (iti s what I am going to do, but I was "shunned" today for doing it)?

Thanks Mattj

 

well, as for the piston rings on the itr's, they can be re-used as long as they are BRAND new and havent seen any against the cylinder walls and if the rings are the same size. if the itr's are oversized .25, for instance, then they can only go on oversized ctr pistons.

dont know about the pins, i just always had the machine shop do it for me.

 

its easier to heat the pistons up and the pins . the aluminum expands and everything slides together.

 

i've always seen the rods have to be heated in an "oven". just the end that the pin goes into. it gets baked, nice and hot, then the pin goes in through everything. not sure if i'm explaining it right, but that's how mine have always been done.

 

heating up the rod works good to install them, thats what I do. I also made a press base to accept the piston and not harm it when removing the old one. take a strong block of wood, and carve a circular part for the piston to fit into, that way you will have undamaged pistons.