Urgent help needed to get cylinder back on!, In the parking lot with engine open! Options

[Radmacdaddy]

Ok, so an eArlier thread discussed ring without pulling an engine. Well I had no choice as when the valves I mentioned in my earlier thread acted up the strain pushed likely worn rings too far and I had to break her open.

All has gone very smoothly up until about midnite last night when after 1 1/2 hrs of trying to get the #2 cylinder back on over the rings (#1 went right on the new rings) the rings are not compressing enough to go on!!!!

I could really use some urgent advice everyone!

Btw, in a pinch, other than this glitch, the engine came apart in under an hour to the pistons. In the van. I recon I'd have had her back in no time, had this not happened.

Thanks!

[TheCabinetmaker]

Where you at? Maybe someone close could come help you.

[Radmacdaddy]

I tried sanding them a bit, should I keep at it?

Phoenix AZ... Some parking lot somewhere. I can give details if someone thinks they can come by.

[Radmacdaddy]

My brand new file didn't cut into them on first try. I was thinking it's cause they are some super tough alloy?

[Radmacdaddy]

...also, how accurate do I need to be? Will they adjust themselves if I'm slightly off round?

[TheCabinetmaker]

You need to file the ends of the rings. One ring at a time. Take your time and be very careful removing and reinstalling the rings.

you should leave your entire trip in one thread. Three threads might get some important info missed.

[TheCabinetmaker]

Oh yeah, file them just enough to fit in the cylinder with a small amount of clearence between the ends.

[Radmacdaddy]

Do u mean in the gap? Those ends? They don't touch when compressed (the ends) so how will that help?

Good point on the linked threads. Thanks. I need to start a journey thread.

[TheCabinetmaker]

Yep. The gap between the ends of the rings when they are slipped inside the cylinder. just the ring. New rings can be a bitch to compress with just you're fingers.

No need for a new thread, just continue this one.

[Radmacdaddy]

So... I'm not sure you are getting me. If I put the top ring in and push it in in only one spot, it is too "tall" to go right to the wall of the OD. So when I use my compression tool it doesn't squeeze it tight enough to allow the cylinder. The ends have a 1/4-1/2" gap between them.

Maybe I don't understand you? I did file the ends but it makes no did to the isue as far as I can tell.

[rwilner]

So... I'm not sure you are getting me. If I put the top ring in and push it in in only one spot, it is too "tall" to go right to the wall of the OD. So when I use my compression tool it doesn't squeeze it tight enough to allow the cylinder. The ends have a 1/4-1/2" gap between them.

Maybe I don't understand you? I did file the ends but it makes no did to the isue as far as I can tell.

pictures please

[Radmacdaddy]

Ok, thankfully have a 24 hour laundry matt beside me which has allowed me to get on with my laptop since it died last night! (the lighter not working/powering our inverter is a project for another day!)

Here are some pics, the ring sits out about 1/16th of an inch. I used pretty good force this morning, using a piece of wood over the end of the cylinder and wacking it with a, um... rock (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) as I don't have a hammer (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) ... and it didn't budge. Don't worry, I tried and stopped after a couple of hits. Egad!

Anyway, here they are...my lovely location, and the cylinder in place, trying to go on, and the ring up close with a measure...

edit: detail pics in thread below..

[Radmacdaddy]

better description:

[Radmacdaddy]

MUCH better pics... sorry.

[TheCabinetmaker]

Ok. I'm with ya now. It appears you're ring is too thick, but you said the other went on ok. Pull the ring off and try to insert the outside of the ring in the groove to check for proper thickness. One little speck of debris in the groove will give you fits.

[Radmacdaddy]

It appears to be flush on the bottom 1/2, but like the pics on the top half of the piston?! Weird.

[JStroud]

If you compress the ring and place it in the cylinder( without the piston) and there is end gap filing won't help, don't file the surface contacting the cylinder wall or it will never seal.
I would check the groove where the ring sits, probably dirt keeping it from seating. You could check it against the old ring if you still have it, see if it wrong size but if one went together probably dirt.

Good luck
Jeff

[Radmacdaddy]

Should I pop down to the auto store (open at 7am thank God!) and pick up a file to work the ring slot?

[Radmacdaddy]

If you compress the ring and place it in the cylinder and there is end gap filing won't help, don't file the surface contacting the cylinder wall or it will never seal.
I would check the groove where the ring sits, probably dirt keeping it from seating. You could check it against the old ring if you still have it, see if it wrong size but if one went together probably dirt.

Good luck
Jeff

The old ring was worn right to the piston, didn't come out at all.

[76-914]

Either your ring compressor is catty wampus or worn out and not compressing the ring as it should, wrong size ring (which I doubt as the top one fit), the ring groove has trash in it, or your not holding your mouth correctly (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif) If it is really tight in there and you suspect that the compressor is misaligned you could go to the hardware store and get a large hose clamp, instead. Someone here will step up and assist if your close enough. Good luck, buddy!

EDIT: Are you getting the compressor on squarely or just squeezing it and calling it good? It really helps to get a good square position before compressing.