I'm about to embark on the rebuilding of my 2cv engine. I've ordered all the bits (apologies to Roy for filling up his inbox with numerous additions), but now I'm thinking that I probably haven't got all the tools to get the job done.

I've got a swizzle stick and some paste for grinding in the valves. That means that I need to get a valve spring compressor - do I need a particular type?

I need to persuade the gudgeon pins to move, Not too keen on drifting them out, since that feels completely wrong directional load to put onto the conrods. The 2cv rebuild book recommends getting some threaded rod to press the pin out, so I'll see if I can knock that up.

I've got a piston ring compressor that looks like it'll just fit between barrel and crankcase (fingers crossed) - is there anything else I've missed out?

Cheers, Ben

I'm an idiot and I know nothing. Bear that in mind. Here goes.

Once you've taken the circlip out you don't need a lot of force to drift the gudgeon pin out, I've only done it a few times, bu never had a problem. If you have to smack the shit out of it then something wrong. Fit the rings onto piston and use ring compressor to slide barrel over piston before you fit piston to rod. Made it easier when I did it last time.

Nice one - thanks Russ. I didn't realise that it was possible to access the pin once the piston was in the barrel. That'll make it easier.

Cheers, Ben

Ben,
a motorcycle type valve spring compressor seems to work best, something like this...
< http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Valve-Spring-Comp ... _657wt_732 >

Think I might get one of those as a backup, since I've been using the same one since I was 16 and nothing lasts forever ...

One of those small 'magnet on a stick' tools is quite handy when popping the valve collets back into place.

ken

If your piston ring compressor does not fit I have found zipties to be highly effective.

So is some aluminium from a drinks can and a large Jubilee clip.

Or like this