How to replace piston rings.

[Ciero]

I have a Kohler Magnum 18hp. I have the heads and cylinders off. I am going to change the piston rings. I have tried to search on this forum to fingd the best way to do it. I found that I should be able to swap the rings with out disconnecting the piston from the crank. How do I get the cylinder back on the motor while keeping the rings compressed? My ring compressor is a good size and I won't have the clearance to do it with my ring compressor. Any suggestions?

[mdlwn1]

Plastic zip ties?

[RonAyersMotorsports]

Who ever told you that you can install rings without disconnecting the rod is full of it and obviously never replaced rings before. You must disconnect rod from crank slide out of top of cylinder. Install new rings, clamp rings with specified ring clamp around piston, oiled well. position piston and rod back in cylinder and use butt end of a hammer handle to knock the piston and rod back into place. The only way!!!

[RonAyersMotorsports]

Plastic zip ties?

:dizzy::laugh: Not likely!!!

[shop manager]

Who ever told you that you can install rings without disconnecting the rod is full of it


sure you can... ya just cant get the cylinder back on ... :laugh:


You must disconnect rod from crank slide out of top of cylinder. Install new rings, clamp rings with specified ring clamp around piston, oiled well. position piston and rod back in cylinder and use butt end of a hammer handle to knock the piston and rod back into place.

this is the correct way to do it...

[4.3mudder]

You can also you metal hose clamps. I ahve used them before on 2 cycle stuff, but never on a bigger engine. The hose clamps worked very well for me.

[pugs]

Apparently you guys dont work on too many 2cycle engines or any engines with removable cylinders like a Magnum twin has.

There are special ring compressors just for it. A hose clamp could be used in a a pinch.

[Ciero]

Thanks for replying guys. I thought I was mistaken about being able to swap rings without removing the piston from the crank. I will if I have to but I will try hose clamps first.

[Restrorob]

You do not have to split the cases and remove the rods just to install rings, Remove the piston from the rod......



http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m314/Restrorob/Kohler/M%20Series/MagnumPistonInstall.jpg