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Engine Mechanical TopicsDiscussion for motor builds, cams, head work, stripped bolts and other engine related issues. The good and the bad. If it goes round and around or up and down, post it here.
I have a "75" XR 750 engine undergoing restoration. When attempting to remove the pistons, I am confronted with circlips with no "eyes"...........
would someone please advise me on the removal of these clips? Thank you
There are a couple of styles depending on what mods have been done in the past. If it's the wire type with a gap at the end of the wire but straight ends, there should be a notch in the piston so you can work a scribe or other similar tool in to get it out. If it is the type that overlaps so it looks like is is full circle (see image below), the end with be notched so you can raise it above the groove it fits in for removal. Look carefully with some light because it may not be easy to see. Personally, I would need my glasses for this operation.
If my description doesn't make sense, post a picture of what you have.
Before anything stuff some clean rags into the spigots under the pistons to seal off the lower end.
If the snap-rings are the spiral type look close and you'll see the end of the ring and an insert. Small set of picks, straight to catch that lip and lift, 90 degree to get behind and work it out of the groove. Once started they come out easy
There are a couple of styles depending on what mods have been done in the past. If it's the wire type with a gap at the end of the wire but straight ends, there should be a notch in the piston so you can work a scribe or other similar tool in to get it out. If it is the type that overlaps so it looks like is is full circle (see image below), the end with be notched so you can raise it above the groove it fits in for removal. Look carefully with some light because it may not be easy to see. Personally, I would need my glasses for this operation.
If my description doesn't make sense, post a picture of what you have.
Paul
The picture helps.
I'm thinking this is it. Thanks alot
Before anything stuff some clean rags into the spigots under the pistons to seal off the lower end.
If the snap-rings are the spiral type look close and you'll see the end of the ring and an insert. Small set of picks, straight to catch that lip and lift, 90 degree to get behind and work it out of the groove. Once started they come out easy
Using the rags is an excellent suggestion ... You don't want to go chasing those cir clips / spiral locks in the lower end
This is how one of the clips removal ended up. Very gentle and used minimal force and bending to remove the clip..............it was as if it was already compromised.
No, I will not reuse the intact clip..
Looking to the PTFE option. Does anybody have a source for these? Thank you
Last edited by Mofosheee; Nov 30, 2023 at 08:07 AM.
Reason: wrong info
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"75" XR750 piston circlip
