Installing pistons on a 947 engine

[dldodge2]

How is the best way to install the pistons through the head when installing the head?. I know there has to be a better way that I'm trying to do it.

[Technical Support]

Re: Installing pistons on a 947 engine

Cylinder, not head. You can either use a ring compressor or just practice. It's not hard once you get the hand of it. I just lower the cylinders with one hand while squeezing one set of rings with other - takes me about 30 seconds.

[jbssc]

Re: Installing pistons on a 947 engine

I did the same install a few months ago and ran into a similar problem when I installed the pistons. My 50 year old eyes did not see the protrusion in the piston groove. The rig gap fits over this protrusion. If the ring is not lined up properly you will never get the rings compressed enough to get them into the cylinders. Once the rings are lined up, the piston will slide in fairly easily using your hands to compress the rings. I'm sure the manual points this out, but I never saw it. I spent an embarrassing amount of time on this problem.

[dldodge2]

Re: Installing pistons on a 947 engine

I did the same install a few months ago and ran into a similar problem when I installed the pistons. My 50 year old eyes did not see the protrusion in the piston groove. The rig gap fits over this protrusion. If the ring is not lined up properly you will never get the rings compressed enough to get them into the cylinders. Once the rings are lined up, the piston will slide in fairly easily using your hands to compress the rings. I'm sure the manual points this out, but I never saw it. I spent an embarrassing amount of time on this problem.

I figured out the ring guide to but I just could not get them into the cylinder. So I quit working on it and had dinner and came back out and they fell in place.

Thanks

[Bill O'Neal2]

Re: Installing pistons on a 947 engine

You wouldn't believe how many times I have just walked away for a few minutes, then come back and it all falls together........ Being frustrated only increases the chances of screwing it up.

[Bill O'Neal2]

Re: Installing pistons on a 947 engine

A trick I use on 947 clyinders when I do not have a helper to hold the clyinder as I try to compress the rings and slide the clyinder down over the pistons is to place 4 studs, one for each corner of the clyinder, in the block, then use them as a guide for the clyinder to slide down keeping everthing aligned properly. A tye down strap is used to hold the weight of the clyinder. Then as I release the strap a little at a time, I install the second piston into the bottom of the clyinder, compressing the rings and let the strap loosen as I go. Otherwise it is just too difficult to hold the weight of the clyinder and compress the rings at the same time when working alone.

[thomas]

Re: Installing pistons on a 947 engine

Hmmm, very interesting. I'll have to try that as I am getting ready to do the 951 piston thing also. I've been frustrated alot with these installs and I'm impatient. I don't like to quit working while I look for a suitable helper.....

[Dave96GTX]

Re: Installing pistons on a 947 engine

Another trick is to use large zip ties if you dont have a ring compressor. They hold the rings in nice and tight and they slid down the piston well. the cylinder will push the zip tie down as it goes on all you have to do is make sure the pistons are going in straight.

[chris w]

Re: Installing pistons on a 947 engine

If doing solo, I use a tool I made prolly 15 years ago, a piece of 1/2 inch ply cut into a U shape with the slot wide enough to slip around the con rod. This will hold the "lower" piston square to the cases and cyl while you get the "higher" piston in.

[boosted-delslow]

Re: Installing pistons on a 947 engine

I mad the same tool!! Works well and it cheap!!

[JustplainKevin]

Re: Installing pistons on a 947 engine

If ya get enough tears on them they go right in. I nice blend of tears, blood and profanity worked well for me!

the same mixture worked on V-clamp for the exhaust too:emoticonc