Holding piston rings to replace cylinder head

[skyl4rk]

What is a good way to compress the piston rings to replace the cylinder head? Do I need a special tool? Maybe a hose clamp of the right diameter?

tnx

 

[azbill]

just use your fingers...these rings aren't as stiff as an auto engine's
make sure you orient the rings around the locating pins correctly

 

[Large Filipino]

Hose clamp. Brilliant.
I've done automotive and big diesel pistons and even though I've never done a Happy Time rebuild,I agree that you can get that little ring in with fingers.

 

[skyl4rk]

Well it looks like I may have turned my happy time motor into scrap. A few months ago I decided to check out the wrist pin bushing because I got a bearing to replace it. I have done this before on my Puch moped and it was easy. Unfortunately it was like 20 degrees at the time and it turned out to be more difficult than I thought and I kind of used too much force because my hands were freezing. I thought I had it all ready to go and just "tapped" it a few times but apparently something was not right.

Now the alignment fins on the base of the jug are cracked. I was trying to install the piston from the bottom of the jug, I guess you are supposed to slide it in to the top. The aluminum is really soft. I didn't know about the ring alignment pins at the time.

I may still try to fit it in from the top, who knows I might get lucky. The sad thing is the bushing was OK, my bogging problem was probably carb related.

I'm bumming. :???:

 

[KiDD]

make sure you orient the rings around the locating pins correctly

I just tore my engine apart to replace the head bolt I sheered off torquing it. I'm about to put it back together but I read this about putting it back in. Could you elaborate on what you meant there?

NeverMind!

I Looked at it and saw the pins, I thought they had fallen out at first but they are there.