I have a question for the kids in here regarding piston Installation into the cylinder on an Evo.

Do you install the piston from the bottom of the cylinder after attaching it to the rod?
Install it into the bottom of the cylinder and then attach it to the rod?
Install the piston from the top of the cylinder ( just saw this one on a TC motor build) and push it down to install on the rod?

Just curious as to different procedures and whether in or out of the bike changes your method of assembly.

Ride safe.
Griz

 

I'm sure different guys do it different ways...On shovel heads & pan heads I've always installed piston then slid cylinder down over piston..

 

Piston goes in from the bottom, regardless of whatever else is going on. It depends on what type of ring compressor as much as anything.

It's much easier to load the piston into the jug on the rear (in-frame) and you have plenty of room on the front to do it either way.

I'm sure you'll get a bike rally full of opinions on how others here do it.

 

As @t150vej said above, piston goes in from the bottom of the cylinder, you should notice a chamfer / tapered there that makes it easier to get it started. Some pistons are designed for front or back as well as the direction they point so valve reliefs are correct, be sure to read the directions for your pistons so it is correct. You can put the piston on the rod and then compress the ringe and slide the cylinder over it. Or install the piston in the cylinder and then put it on the rod. Install one of the wristpin clips first and then push the wristpin through the other side. But some may find it easier to get the wrist pin clip installed. Be sure you have the base gaskets in place before installing the cylinders. The cylinders will need some assembly lube

If you install the pistons on the rod, do it one at a time and have something over the case cylinder bores to keep things (like flying wristpin clips) from falling in there. And you need to protect the piston from the cylinder studs until the cylinder is in place. Use electrical tape or rubber fuel line sliced on one side so you can remove it easily once the cylinder is in place. A good ring compressor is beneficial.

FWIW - I usually install the piston on the rod and then the cylinders on.

Paul

 

I find it easier loading the piston into the cylinder first but that is how it was taught to me. Then as mentioned have one of the clips already installed on the wrist pin, and damn make sure any gaps or holes leading into the block are covered. Lost a clip once, looked and looked. Had one small gap in the foam rubber I was using to plug the holes. I and was ready to pull stuff apart when wifey came out to help look and found it.

Good luck with the project.