need help! evo rod/piston install

[etay89]

Hey guys, sorry if this seems redundant. I did search but couldn't find it...or maybe I skimmed over it.

Anyways I have evo 9 rod and pistons with new rings, acl rod and main bearings, and arp connecting rod bolts. Last night, I tried installing them, but the top 2 piston rings wouldn't clear into the cylinder (an autozone piston ring compressor was what I was using)... but ill admit...this was my first time and I was pretty lost. Can someone give me guidance to make sure I do this once and do it right the first time? Thanks guys

 

[okm12346]

Piston Rings - How to Install - YouTube

 

[etay89]

Thanks for the video..it does help a bit

But what about the rod and main bearings? I know where the rod bearings go but I'm lost in regards to the main.

 

[96awd16g]

Main bearing go in the main caps that hold your crank in the block.

 

[herms99gst]

Make sure you install the bearings ib the grooves!!!

 

[jimbob_843]

You should get a manual. Every piece has a certain direction for install. All tangs face eachpther and rod tangs face exhaust side

 

[etay89]

Main bearing go in the main caps that hold your crank in the block.

I knew something wasn't right...oh well. Who wants some main bearings?

Make sure you install the bearings ib the grooves!!!

They are. Appreciate the concern.

You should get a manual. Every piece has a certain direction for install. All tangs face eachpther and rod tangs face exhaust side

Eh, I'm kinda being careless, dropping them in each cylinder. I know the dots on the piston face the timing belt side...so that's all I need. I'm also lazy. I have the FSM downloaded on my computer..but never take it with me in the garage

 

[RamenPride]

The big end of the rod should be re-sized after installing the ARP rod bolts. Have the cylinders been honed or are you just stopping the pistons and rods in?

 

[bryanwheat]

I don't see this lasting long. No offense but i would take this to a professional. Did you measure ring end gap. Did you measure piston to wall clearance? Are going to measure that rod bearing clearance?

 

[etay89]

The big end of the rod should be re-sized after installing the ARP rod bolts. Have the cylinders been honed or are you just stopping the pistons and rods in?

Literally, just throwing them in. I'll take my chances. If it results in a destroyed block, well, I'll just replace that too

I don't see this lasting long. No offense but i would take this to a professional. Did you measure ring end gap. Did you measure piston to wall clearance? Are going to measure that rod bearing clearance?

None is taken. This isn't my first DSM, it's my 4th but this is the first one I've gotten REALLY deep into. Being honest, I'm looking for a reason to replace the block (to a degree). I have an evo3 head with kelfords and kiggly valvetrain. I'm about to take my tranny for a rebuild to shep, so the last place I need to dump any money into is my block. as I said, just taking chances cause at this point, I don't care (which is a terrible thing, I know I know)

edit: After doing some reading, I realized that I need to make sure these piston rings are right...

 

[bryanwheat]

Why don't you buy a book and do it right instead of just waste money to have it mess up on you. As i said this engine won't last long at all.

 

[etay89]

Did you not read my edit? If you notice my edit time, it was way before your response. So maybe READ what I say instead bashing what I said before. Maybe explain the simplicity of checking the gaps. It was VERY difficult because I couldn't find any gap info but eventually I did (.019/.023 are my gaps).

Also, I did mention having the FSM downloaded as well as a haynes.

 

[4cedFed]

Honestly, if you want this engine to last longer then start up, take it to a machine shop and have them assemble the rotating assembly for you.

You are in WAY OVER YOU HEAD, with this. It would be a pitty for your time and money to go down the drain.

Btw im not bashing you or anything, just would be a shame for good parts you are using to go to waste.

 

[etay89]

You are in WAY OVER YOU HEAD, with this. It would be a pitty for your time and money to go down the drain.

Btw im not bashing you or anything

That IS a bash. Saying "take it to a shop just to make sure it's done right" is an opinion, thought, and concern. You are making a judgement about what I, myself, am capable of. I could take it personal (which I do) and rant on about random stuff, but there's no point.

Way I look at it, I've done several things I NEVER thought I was capable of, but I grew a set and did it. I did an AWD swap with nothing but non-torque hand tools and it ran fine (until the first launch and broke the splines off the t-case). This was a simple question that needed a simple answer (like okm12346, 96awd16g, herms99gst), not negative criticism.