BSA Owners' Club Workshop Discussions

The BSA Workshop => Singles => Topic started by: courtney on 01 Jun, 2020, 16:40

Title: Piston Fitting
Post by: courtney on 01 Jun, 2020, 16:40
Hello,

I have a few ideas but wanted to check on here first to see if anybody else has some experience and insight into fitting the piston into the cylinder. I've never had an issue getting the rings to compress and go into a cylinder before when I've worked on bikes, but the C15 is a pain in the bum.

Is a ring compressor any good or is there a better method? If so, what type of tool is best? Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Piston Fitting
Post by: chaz on 01 Jun, 2020, 16:54
never used anything other than fingernails...
if you think its a problem , try a square 4, 4 pistons in a square format , 3 rings on each without breaking them.
normally a couple of strips of wood to balance the barrel on and keep it square then work the piston up.
Title: Re: Piston Fitting
Post by: DerekAnderson8 on 01 Jun, 2020, 17:01
Quote from: courtney on 01 Jun, 2020, 16:40
Hello,

I have a few ideas but wanted to check on here first to see if anybody else has some experience and insight into fitting the piston into the cylinder. I've never had an issue getting the rings to compress and go into a cylinder before when I've worked on bikes, but the C15 is a pain in the bum.

Is a ring compressor any good or is there a better method? If so, what type of tool is best? Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

sometimes easier to put piston in bore before you fit it to engine.
Title: Re: Piston Fitting
Post by: Bess on 01 Jun, 2020, 17:17
Hi,
    Ring compressor every-time, I know its a twin shown and yours is a single but its the safest way.

Best wishes...
Title: Re: Piston Fitting
Post by: courtney on 03 Jun, 2020, 00:58
Many thanks for the replies. It is all sorted. I took the piston off and fitted it into the cylinder rather than faffing to fit the cylinder over the piston.

Thank you!
Title: Re: Piston Fitting
Post by: AdrianS on 03 Jun, 2020, 15:42
A trick someone mentioned on the bantam forum was to use a drain downpipe clip. Made of plastic, cheap, and works for a range of piston sizes.  Still probably easier with 2 pairs of hands!