how to install piston rings without breaking them ?????

[abefroman]

well, I've broken several rings and it's getting pretty frustrating. can anyone tell me some correct procedure for installing rings without breaking them ? I try to be as careful as possible. I put one end of the spring in the top piston groove and gently work it around, then put one end in the lower groove and work it around. sometimes it works, sometimes it breaks. is that normal ?

cheers

 

[crassius]

grow your thumbnails a bit long, then expand the ring just a tiny bit to drop over the piston to the position you want

they make a ring expander tool that opens the ring as you squeeze the handle that does this same thing

 

[2door]

And lubricate the rings and piston. A little slippery stuff helps. Use whatever oil you mix with your fuel.

Tom