Topic: Stuck Rings

[Fraserimoore]

Hi Guys,

Stripped the Engine down on my 550 K1 (had compression issues) to find some very stubborn stuck rings.

I've managed to remove the majority, but I'm left with a few extremely stubborn compression rings that don't want to budge.

The removal methods used so far are as follows:

-penetration oil soaked overnight
-AFT fluid/mix soaked for several days
-heat (in the oven with my dinner)
-brute force (hammer and punch)

Any other trick or tips I could try?

Cheers!

[70CB750]

Are your trying to get them off in one piece?

[ekpent]

Dunk and soak in a  bucket of carb cleaner may help but I think higher heat from a propane torch would be better than an oven.
  Is the problem carbon and gunk or rust ?

[Fraserimoore]

The problem is gunk/crud build up from years of sitting.

I have new pistons rings to replace the old ones, so I'm not too bothered about breaking them, but the last thing I want to do it damage the pistons.

Cheers

[70CB750]

Aha.

What ekpent says, soak and heat.

[Fraserimoore]

Just to update you all...I ended up having to drill the rings out.

Managed to make a couple of pilot holes in the rings and then tap them with a punch.

They came out after alot of patience and in small segments, without damaged the piston.

Now I can crack on and get it built back up!

[70CB750]

I would never expect rings to be drilled, pictures?

[Fraserimoore]

Ill put some pics up when I finish work to show you the pistons with the rings removed.

Hopefully I can show you the crud build up, but it potentially may disappear as I've had them soaking overnight.

These rings were incredibly stuck solid and weren't budging for anything or anyone (I work at a car garage and had plenty of mechanics trying to tackle them, with every tool and trick in the book...but no joy)

...baring in mind, the bike had potentially been sitting still for 30+ yrs.

When I got it back in april, the 1st thing I did was strip the carbs and rebuild them, and they too were jammed up solid with varnish...took alot of man hours to sort them.

So this piston issue doesnt really suprise me!

...pics to follow 

[70CB750]

My bad, I forgot rings are made from cast iron.

Filed your trick away for future reference