I got my engine from the shop the other day and I'm putting it together. This is my 5th engine that I've built so I have a general idea what I'm doing, but its been about a year and a half since my last build. Problem is the pistons. I cannot for the life of me get them installed. I put the ring compressor on, tighten it down, make sure its flush against the deck, and then tap it in with a wooden dowel and rubber mallet. However, when it gets the to botton ring on the expander its just pops out between the compressor and the deck. I don't remember having problems like this with my other engines. Is there something I'm missing, forgetting?

 

What kind of ring compressor are you using?

 

The old MAC

 

That's the same compressor I use. I hold the compressor with one hand to keep it tight against the block and tap the piston gently with a hammer handle or push with same hammer handle until bearing is seated on crank. I've found if I don't hold pressure on the compressor to keep it seated the oil scrapers escape!!! Hope this makes sense, Dave

 

Yeah, hold the compressor in one hand, and hit the piston with the hammer handle with the other hand.

 

spend a few bucks on a tapered compresser and you'll never use anything else and you won't have any more problems.