[robains]

I'm installing my 9:1 Mahles and I'm having a heck of time trying to getting the Mahle lock rings installed -- trying hard NOT to damage the piston. The Mahle locks rings are 1.59 mm and the stock ones are 1.38 mm. The the bag the Mahle lock rings came in say 1.60 mm Audi/Miata.

Some pics of what I'm up against

On a side note the Mahle's weigh in 46 grams lighter than stock.

Anyway, are there any tools that might help me out with installing these lock/snap rings?

Maybe these?

or these?

Thanks, Rob.

 

[Dragon]

They will scratch up that area when putting them in. Use a small strait screwdriver to help work around the edge. It will take same force to get the in there. Your best tool will be strong thumbs.

 

[ZAMMY1]

that's one helluva lockring!
sam:wallbang:

 

[Jim-C]

I made a fixture to hold the piston still.
I used needle
Nose vice grips to keep the pin in place while I work it in with the flat blade.

I have a video somewhere.

I added a picture.

 

[robains]

Yeah, I'd say that lock is a little overkill even at 8,500, 9,000, 10,000 rpm.

Jim, does the video include volumes of cursing ... ugh! My fingers are numb -- I workout daily pushing some good weight and these things have me looking for some steroids. Good idea to fix the piston in place - worried about stress points, would love to see your video.

Rob.

 

[Jim-C]

I know what your going through. The first 4 I did were painful.
I had to do a second set and it was a breeze with my fixture and needle nose.

 

[robains]

Jim,

Is that wood? iDisk, yeah baby -- Mac owner, wooohooo! choking? -- hehe

Also, what do you do when you get to the other side with the pin in place -- still clearance for the needle nose?

Thanks, Rob.

 

[Jim-C]

Jim,

Is that wood? iDisk, yeah baby -- Mac owner, wooohooo! choking? -- hehe

Also, what do you do when you get to the other side with the pin in place -- still clearance for the needle nose?

Thanks, Rob.

Yes, that's plywood. Uniform light pressure in the vice. I was going too fast in the video, trying to keep the file size to a minimum.
The needle nose works on both sides.

I can send you the fixture but your probably done by now.

 

[MaineLotus]

Rob,

I had trouble with the first lock ring until I got the hang of it. Use a stubby regular screw driver and you can walk the lock ring into the groove. Once one goes in, the rest are easier.

 

[Dragon]

Rob,

I had trouble with the first lock ring until I got the hang of it. Use a stubby regular screw driver and you can walk the lock ring into the groove. Once one goes in, the rest are easier.

 

[turbophil]

I used a proces similar to Maine-

Jim really made it look easy with his little setup....

First one is a PITA, then they should become a bit easier- just as everyone else mentioned...

Good luck!

Phil

 

[robains]

Ok, Mahle's installed. This was actually a lot easier than I thought -- think I just feared the unknown but took my time and got the rings setup and pistons installed.

Install pics

Now I'm just waiting for my cylinder head to be done and Phil's fuel delivery solution.

Thanks for the help/hints everyone.

Rob.