a little trick i learned from one of the country's leading english ford
race motor builders was that if the clip is the type that does not clip
into the groove 360+ degrees never have the opening of the clip face to
either side of the motor. insert it so it will face up or down with the
piston travel. something to do with the reciprocating motion actually
causing the clip's ends to flex just enough to begin poping out of the
groove.
chuck
> [Original Message]
> From: Brashear, Jack, N <JNBrashear@garverengineers.com>
> To: Ron Soave <soavero@yahoo.com>; Spridgets <spridgets@autox.team.net>
> Cc: Healey List <healeys@autox.team.net>
> Date: 5/15/2006 11:17:36 AM
> Subject: RE: Today's engine assembly tip - Chapter Two
>
> Hi All, Long, sad, expensive story here about things that "cannot
> possibly be." Double and triple check the wristpin circlips in ALL new
> pistons you purchase from ANYONE. Make absolutely certain the circlips
> are the proper fit before the piston-wristpin-connecting rod assembly is
> installed. In 2005, after only 1,130 miles on my freshly rebuilt 6
> cylinder AH engine a "just a tad too small" circlip worked its way out
> of the groove and got caught between the piston and cylinder wall. This
> happened simultaneously on two cylinders. The engine damage was
> awesome...two bent rods, one rod journal heavily damaged, and much more.
> Anyway, five months and $1,850 later I have the resurrected engine back
> from the machine shop. There's much more I could tell but I'll spare
> the gory details. I remember what my Dad used to tell me ....boy,
> measure once-cut twice, measure twice-cut once...
> Jack
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