Ironhead Spiril piston pin locking ring 69xlh

[bentrod]

I'm preparing to assemble my motor but I don't have that spiril locking ring tool. I've seen them installed by stretching them out and using a screwdriver, push the ring in a circular motion into the groove. Is this an acceptable way to do this? Can the ring be damaged by stretching it out too much? Thanks for your input.

Art

[IronMick]

I believe that stretching the ring makes it useless. Here is a rough sketch i use to remind me of the technique that works for me ...



One end of the ring in the groove at the opening. In my right hand is a large needle nose pliers, one point on the curved bottom edge of the Wiseco piston, the other on the end of the ring that is not in the groove.

I think this is for the front piston. May have to switch hands when you switch to the other.

The plier does most of the work. The thumb mainly keeps the ring from flying across the room, or going into the bottom end.

[bentrod]

Thanks Mick, I'm going to give it a try right now!

Art

Tried it but don't see how it will work with these pistons, they have a full length skirt so I really can't get control over the pliers. Just to be sure we're talking about the same clips I've taken these photos.





Art

[IronMick]

Different clips. I believe those are called spiro-locks [or something similar]. I used some a long time ago. Someone else may have a technique to offer.

[Swamp Biker]

The fellow that bored my cylinders (Bill at B&B Racing in Metairie (New Orleans), Louisiana) who works on all kinds of old v-twin engines showed me that exact procedure (slightly stretching those spiral lock rings) to install them. He's got that tool you mentioned but says he never uses it. I trust his judgement and methods.

[hcrashster]

Yeah, the dreaded Spirolox.
NOTE: Make sure you are done removing/reinstalling pistons. Spirolox should not be reused and are a serious pain to get back out!

Stretch them out about an inck or so. Feed into the machined slot at the wrist pin bore, using a small straight edge screwdriver and your fingers, and a litle oil in the slot.

Time Saver; DO ONE SIDE of the piston on bench. Install piston and pin, install remaining lock.

[Dakin Engineering]

I used my smallest screwdriver to seperate the leading end of the keeper from the 2nd layer. Inside to outside.
Set leading end of the ring in the bore and thumb over to keep it from backing out.

Insert the screwdriver between the spiral and the wrist pipe bore 180 degrees from the lead. As the screwdrver becomes perpindicular to the piston, you'll feel the spiral slip in a bit. Keep working around until it's all in.

It takes longer to explain than do.

Think of it as changing a tire, inside out.

Sam

[72 Ironhead XLH]

I made a tool to install those ,If your USA, you promise to return it?

[bentrod]

Originally Posted by Dakin Engineering

I used my smallest screwdriver to seperate the leading end of the keeper from the 2nd layer. Inside to outside.
Set leading end of the ring in the bore and thumb over to keep it from backing out.

Insert the screwdriver between the spiral and the wrist pipe bore 180 degrees from the lead. As the screwdrver becomes perpindicular to the piston, you'll feel the spiral slip in a bit. Keep working around until it's all in.

It takes longer to explain than do.

Think of it as changing a tire, inside out.

Sam

Success! Thanks everyone for the imput.

Art

[bentrod]

Originally Posted by 72 Ironhead XLH

I made a tool to install those ,If your USA, you promise to return it?

Thanks for the offer, I was able to get them in using the screwdriver technique.

Art