Did a compression test on my stroked Olds 215, not good. #4 cylinder at 50 lbs.

[Gswest236]

There's no upload option on any of the options. This came up before but resolved. I'll see if this self resolves.

[mgb260]

Scott, Try the Reply button and then click or drag your file here for pics.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Quick Reply does not have an upload button. The full Reply window does.

Jim

[Gswest236]

Correct, quick reply never had an add photo option. Regular Reply did. Now it doesn't on my end. There is no longer that line on the bottom that allowed dragging photos or adding photos. If it's just me and everyone else still has that option, I'm perplexed. There is the 'Other options" window that when clicked shows :notify me of replies.    : Lock this topic
              : Return to this topic.   : Don't use Smileys

[Gswest236]

After rebooting my IPad, what do you know, "'click to drag files" reappeared. So the issue obviously is on my end. It's a relatively new device so we'll see. I got the 1.5" soft plugs out and replaced. The six that are on the sides of the block; not a big deal but one did get lodged between an external cylinder wall and the interior block side when I punched it in. I honestly thought I wouldn't get it out. It was wedged. Finally got something that would get behind it and force it out, a coat hanger! Anyway, tomorrow we'll start installing pistons, try 2.0!

[Gswest236]

2nd attempt to install the pistons again did not succeed. The piston gets down to the oil ring and sticks. The new ring compressor is an adjustable style but much closer to the size than the previous one, and is tapered. Tried tightening it more, nothing. Tried loosening it thinking it was too tight, nothing. Reading online people advise using a single size unit for easier insertion. I'm sure a pro would be able to make what I have work, but I'm being cautious due to the many warnings not to force it. Should be able to push it down without hitting it is what I'm reading.

[mgb260]

Scott, check by hand that you can compress the oil rings. Some versions have a spacer ring that buts up at the gap and some have to hook together.

[Gswest236]

Ok, I'll check the oil ring. It appears that everything is totally compressed before I go to install. Then it stops at the first ring and I can see the cylinder liner right there where the ring meets it. Since I've never installed a piston, maybe you have to wiggle the thing around to get the whole ring into the cylinder. Everything I've watched shows how it should go in, and the pitfalls as well. If you know what you're doing any of these compressors could work.  So, I ordered a single size ring compressor by Wiseco. It's 3.524" and supposedly that will work??? 

[BlownMGB-V8]

I like the tapered one piece ring compressors myself but even with those you  have to make sure the rings seat properly in the grooves and the tool is perfectly flat on the deck before you start pushing the piston down. I typically use a small to medium sized wooden handled ball peen hammer, holding it by the head and tapping the piston down lightly. The rings will usually balk slightly as they make the transition.

With the band compressor it helps to smack it on a flat surface and tap down the bands so they all line up at the bottom before it goes on the piston. Then it also has to seat squarely on the deck. It often helps to tap the top edge with the hammer handle but not enough that a band slips into the bore.

Give it another try, I'm sure you'll get it.

Jim

[Gswest236]

Thanks Jim. I know that there are tricks to the trade and I'm using caution knowing I don't know those tricks. I'm going to wait for the better ring compressor and give it another try.

[MGBV8]

I like the tapered ones, as well.  The band ring compressor will do the job.  That is what Max & I used on the TR6 race car engine.

[Gswest236]

I got the old ratchet type cheapo version that had a range of 2.5-7" I think and had no luck. Then I  got a much smaller range version that has a hose clamp to tighten, still wasn't going in. The rings were def compressed all the way but still nothing. So, then I'm thinking I have it too tight. As I mentioned, I watched some videos and guys were swearing that you need the non adjustable one for your bore and life would be easier. We'll see!

[BlownMGB-V8]

It can make a difference how your bores are finished. If you have a nice square corner with the deck it generally goes pretty easily but a big chamfer will almost always mess you up with the band type. The band tends to slip down into the chamfer and tighten things up and then the piston won't move.

Incidentally, I find it handy to have a canister just a bit larger than the rings that I put an inch or two of oil in. I set the piston in that canister while opening up the band clamp and it all gets nicely oiled and slips out of the clamp better.

Also, you are never going to get the rings perfectly flush with the ring lands all the way around simply because there's clearance between the piston and the cylinder, the band has to move, and there's an overlap. So it's a compromise on how tight you can clamp it and still move it. Expect it to require some reasonably solid taps with the hammer handle just to move the piston. You can judge that by how much it takes before the rings get to the block. A slightly firmer tap is required for the rings to go past but not a lot. You don't want to damage the rings.

So anyway you can't entirely rely on the piston to center the rings in the bore and may have to shift and rotate the piston while you are doing this. Also the clamp can be cocked on the piston and the piston can be cocked in the bore so you have to get it all lined up nice and straight. That becomes almost automatic after awhile but isn't always obvious starting out.

Jim

[Gswest236]

I appreciate the tips Jim. I thought there might need some wiggling or moving it around to get it to go in. I'm betting once I get one in the rest will be much easier.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Carefully watch your gap at the bottom. The oil ring, being the thinnest will try to get out there but you can't let it.

Jim

[Gswest236]

Waiting on the new ring compressor and some warmer garage temps!