This weekend I will be a) donning webbed feet, having viewed the forecast b) getting the kite ready as we are due a blow again.

I will also be fitting new barrels and pistons. So any advice, hints or tips would be greatly appreciated. I have also got some new manifold studs (incase) and obviously a new gasket set, I am also giving the heads a look at, ie removing the valves, cleaning, re seating, new stem seals and push rod seals

Thanks in advance

i think ,piston ring clamps would be the first thing to consider 2 chevrons
they squezze the rings into the piston slots when u introduce them into the base of each barrell
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=piston ... 0,s:0,i:99

Make sure the arrow on the piston is facing forwards. If you break anything, I'll be going past Chichester tomorrow with 4 spare engines in my car. Give us a shout if you need anything!

Thanks Russell, hopefully will go ok, I won't be attacking it till the avo, (work in the morning) I have a knock and excessive smoke and a bit down on power so hense the operation, I got the ecas 9.0:1 replacements on offer at mo, I'll have the kettle on if anyone fancies popping over.

Thanks again to everyone

I don't have that tool Ayjay, when I have done this before with other engines (not 2cv) I may add, I have managed to gently gently squeeze the ring and ease in, I may let the piston in first leaving the gudgeon pin exposed and slide the whole outfit on. I understand you have to install the rings equidistantley at 120 degree intervals

A coke can and a cable tie work just as well as a ring compressor.

Do you want to try a refurbished breather on it? I did one the other day for the 'how to' thread and it's getting on my tits sitting on my work bench, I'll lob it in the skip if not. Just askin' like.

You do... not sure why as they rotate. I reset mine and it helped the smoking issues

ps - I am about this weekend if you need a hand.

Yes please!, I think Sam looked at mine and it seemed ok but to be sure I'd love it did you want mine in exchange for a spare?

Thanks Sam, ill have the kettle on if you fancy popping over I think my dads going to drop in a torque wrench and a valve compressor to

in theory yes gap at 120* but as they move in use they will only be at 120* untill its running - i just put them in any old how and all the race engines and any engine ive done hasnt suffered any ill effects

the poking the rings in is manageable on the top comp rings but the thin steels with the wavy tension ring 3part oil control really needs the whole thing squeezed at the same time i usually fit the piston to barrel and then offer it all up as a unit.

HPIM0704 by Sean602, on Flickr

feel free to look at the other photos putting the barrels on - its only one way of doing it.

which may be academic as a knock from the engine is unlikley to be cured with a piston - you may be taking Russ up on his offer as it may be a new bottom end you need....fingers crossed