How do you install piston c clips?

[ryanpietro]

I've searched found nothing and it's really hard for me to get them on. Also are they both supposed to be installed facing the same way? Or can they rotate either way?

[marc8090]

They can be installed either way. I find it easiest to grab the straight portion with a pair of needle nose pliers, insert the end of the round portion into the groove at an angle, and then compress the straight portion towards the inside as you push it into the groove. Sometimes a little help from some plastic tools helps to push things into place.

[ryanpietro]

^^

Thank you

[srhadden]

Is there a video on how to do this? there use to be a video on here not by finless, a british chap, that showed how to do this.

Anyone have a link?

[fastflyer20]

They are a spring, if you accidentally squish them enough that they don't return to the original shape, you should ideally use a new one.

The clip opening should always face up or down. If it faces sideways, they can collapse under load of the piston moving up and down, possibly coming out and damaging the engine.

I have found mini short needle nose pliers to be the best at gripping them.

[srhadden]

Once the clip is securely installed correctly, does it really matter which direction the small wire that you grab with the pliers is facing? Up toward the top of the piston, down, etc..??

[fastflyer20]

No, many clips do not have a grab wire.

From above:

The clip opening should always face up or down. If it faces sideways, they can collapse under load of the piston moving up and down, possibly coming out and damaging the engine.

[Thestructured]

I've tried pliers but the easiest way I figured out was to put part of into the groove, and take a chop stick or any wooden stick you find in the kitchen (to not scratch the piston) and push on the side of the clip that's still outside of the hole. Takes a few seconds.

With pliers I've had them fly across the room, and you risk accidentally scratching the piston wall, if you're not careful.

[msallua]

Originally Posted by srhadden

Is there a video on how to do this? there use to be a video on here not by finless, a british chap, that showed how to do this.

Anyone have a link?

Hi, Do you have the link?

[ssrobzoom]

Well if you do this process in a big zip lock plastic bag you can save yourself the headache of buying a new c-clip or searching all over the place to where it flew!