Installing wrist pin on stock pistons/rods

[powellds2]

This is for the 420a motor. I called the machine shop and they quoted me $8 per rod/piston to install the wrist pins. $32 plus tax for just wrist pins! I've seen several videos of people heating the rod end and icing the pin successfully installing them. I've done this on a set of four trashed rods and pistons and it was pretty easy, my only question is, can I be possibly damaging the rod by heating it with my torch? I have no way of knowing just how hot it's getting. Anyone know if this is safe to do with the stock rods and pistons myself? I'd really like to save some cash here.

 

[Gus@RRE]

For $32 dollars i wouldn't bother trying it at home.

 

[powellds2]

The problem is, it used to be $3.00 a piston for a total of $12.00..... It's total crap that they charge that much. I know how to do it just fine, but I'm just wondering if there rod could possibly be damaged by overheating with the torch.... Anyone?

 

[CanadianTalonTC]

If you focus on the nickels your going to start losing dollars.

It's 32 bucks. That's nothing compared to the damage you may cause if you mess up just one. With all the money that goes into a block why skimp now?

Joel

 

[powellds2]

I hear you, I just don't see the point in spending the money if it's something I can do myself. Is there a major risk of damaging the rod? I've read where tons of guys do it themselves, but I'm really just looking for some feedback from someone who actually knows if it's actually risky to do or not. It's kinda why I skimp on having a machine shop build my motor, because I can do it myself. Like I said, I did four other rods and pistons myself, but those were on a trashed set of rods and pistons. I just don't want to do these myself and compromise the integrity of the rod itself.

 

[My1GLaser]

Yes you can overheat the rods and ruin them! Spend the $32

 

[Evilimports]

Id use a heat gun or even an oven before i put a torch to them

 

[RamenPride]

I understand that you're trying to save a few bucks, but it's only $32. Have you tried calling around to other machine shops to see if you can get it done cheaper?

 

[powellds2]

− Quote
Yeah, I just ended up having it done at the machine shop here. Anywhere else I would have been paying more for time and gas. Oh well, all is good now.