Topic: Installing rings on a cb400f

[riktaboy]

When doing the rings on the 400f do you need to ring compressors or will one suffice..
I was thinking you would need two, so that when two pistons are rotated high you do those two sets of rings and then the other two..
Is this correct?
Also anyone know of any ring compressors that work better then others or have any other technique suggetions...

[Gordon]

Ring compressors really only get in the way with these engines.  Fingers and fingernails is all you need, and the fact that the bottom of the cylinder sleeve is tapered helps out a lot. 

I start out with the middle two pistons at TDC, pinch the rings to get them in the bores, drop the jugs down about halfway, rotate the crankshaft to bring the other two pistons up, pinch those rings to get them in, and you're done!

[scunny]

I'm with Gordon, do the middle two first, let the jugs slide down ring by ring, then rotate for the outside two. It makes it easier if you have someone to guide the jugs at the same time.

[SteveD CB500F]

Me too.

Grow your fingernails and take it slowely. I've never got on with ring compressors for any of these engines.

Oh, and oil the barrels with clean engine oil.

[riktaboy]

thanks for all the recommedations, it will certainly make the process alot easier now..