cylinder installation

I've installed cylinder blocks on my kz 900 /kz1000 by relying on the bevel at the bottom of the cylinder bores to squeeze the rings into the grooves of the pistons. I sort of get them started, then kind of shove the cylinder onto the pistons with a rocking motion. Have I been doing damage by doing this? The bike runs fine, but I don't have a ring compressor. What other method should I be using if not this?

Post edited by: roystaylor, at: 2006/12/10 21:49

I have used a large hose clamp to compress the rings with lots of oil to help them slide into the cylinders and slide the clamp off.

Hey Roy. The taper on the bottom of the cylinders is called champfering. This is your best friend in engine re-assembly. Any good machine shop will do this champfer without being asked and this machining evenly compresses the rings.

It never hurts to have a buddy help you out as you can each do a couple of cylinders. Start with the inside two at TDC and use golf tees or wooden popsicle sticks to gently push the rings into their slots. Keep an eye on the ring gap stagger as per installation instruction from the manufacturer.

Cheers-COlin Firth-Ontario Canada
1977Kz650 Custom - 810 Wiseco with lottsa go-fast goodies tucked away inside. A bit of a wolf in sheep's clothing.