Which style of piston ring compressor?

[JradM]

I have some questions about piston ring compressors. I'm rebuilding an automotive engine for the first time - I've only ever done motorcycles in the past. The engine I'm working on is from a 1976 Ford Courier - which was actually build by Mazda. It has the Mazda "VB" 1.8l, 8v engine, with a bore and stroke of 78.00mmx96.00mm.

I figured - why cheap out on the ring compressor? Might as well order one of those fixed-size versions. e.g.:


However, I can't find one in exactly the size I need. I'm not sure "close" is good enough in a tool like this.

The issue is this: all four cylinders have a ring ridge on the exhaust side only. I need to have them bored. Pistons and rings are both pretty scarce, but I eventually found and purchased some 0.75mm oversized. According to the information on the side of the box, I need a finished bore size of 3.1003".

In the fixed-style compressors, the closest I've found is 78mm (3.0709") - would my oversized pistons and rings even fit in that?

I saw this slightly-adjustable style from Summit is available in 3.1-3.25":


It's not too bad at $29 USD - but shipping is about $31 to me in Canada, which feels a bit silly. Nevertheless, if that's what I should buy, then that's what I'll get.

Otherwise, I've heard reasonably good things about the "wrinkle band" style compressors. The Lisle is easy to find available locally for ~$25 Canadian.



That seems fine - but I'd rather spend the extra money if the wrinkle band is likely to give me any trouble.

 

[Walkers]

I bought that adjustable one and did two engines a v8 and a 4. It was so far superior to the ratcheting one in my toolbox that I just threw in in the scrap bin. I was very impressed with its performance. Be extra sure you have rod bolt boots, as this is going to be very easy and you don’t want to ding your crank!

 

[F-22]

I made my own in the same style as the summit adjustable one you posted. Simply cut out a wide enough strip from some thin aluminium sheet metal, wrapped it and used a few big hose clamps like that around it. Worked just fine.

 

[dnschmidt]

You can specify whatever size of fixed ring compressor that you want from TOTAL SEAL piston rings, which conveniently is located here in Phoenix and I'm pretty sure makes this style of ring compressor for everybody that sells them. Give Total Seal a call and tell them what you want, pay your money and it will be on its way.

Ring Compressor

store.totalseal.com

 

[Callelle]

I'm currently going through the engines class for my job. We have that lisle one and that's the one I had the fewest issues one. That's the one I plan on putting in my tool box.

 

[whateg01]

Dad always used the Lisle one above in his automotive repair business. I have one similar to the Summit one but is ratcheting. I don't really have any issues with it, but I do like the Lisle better. Unless you are always building the same engine, I don't see the point in having fixed sized ring compressors. You may never need one again, but if you do, you'll probably have to buy another for that motor.

 

[Steve_P]

I have the last one (Edit - the Lisle) and it's awesome. Works really well. Unless you are going to be a full-time engine builder, it's all you need.

 

[JradM]

I appreciate all the feedback so far! Sounds like the semi-adjustable ones like the Summit I posted are well-regarded.

I like the idea of getting a fixed compressor in the EXACT size, but it looks like ordering from Total Seal would be expensive. They don't list anything as small as I need and I imagine a custom version wouldn't be cheap - e.g. it appears they sell the same style as Summit (maybe they're even the OEM since Summit's is also MIUSA), but for $80 instead of $30. I expect a custom version would be even more - I might spring for that if fixed was a significant improvement over semi-adjustable, but not if they're close.

Happy to hear from someone familiar with the Lisle wrinkle band version too. I'm still tempted, mostly because the feedback seems surprisingly good for something so cheap - and I could easily go grab one from the tool store tonight if I wanted.

I don't really expect to build other engines anytime soon - I wasn't planning on doing this one actually! I knew I was in for a head gasket, but it became apparent I needed to do more once I had the head off.

 

[Steve_P]

Before getting the Lisle 20+ years ago, I had one of the ancient flat adjustable band styles that you tightened with a square L key. It worked, but sometimes would end up partially in the cylinder, and it took a lot of hammering force to insert the piston. And occasionally a ring would pop out. Switching to the Lisle was a night and day difference in speed and ease of use.

 

[strutaeng]

I bought a Lisle adjustable one (don't remember the model number) for my first engine 4.020" bore. I did not like it one bit. Had to use the L shaped key every time and was tedious with oil on my hands. But maybe I didn't use it correctly I'm wondering now?

For my second engine, I bought Summit Racing 4.00" fixed compressor and it was a joy to use. Literally took seconds to get the rings inside with my fingers. I preferred that style over the adjustable version.

 

[Steve_P]

I bought a Lisle adjustable one (don't remember the model number) for my first engine 4.020" bore. I did not like it one bit. Had to use the L shaped key every time and was tedious with oil on my hands. But maybe I didn't use it correctly I'm wondering now?

For my second engine, I bought Summit Racing 4.00" fixed compressor and it was a joy to use. Literally took seconds to get the rings inside with my fingers. I preferred that style over the adjustable version.

If you were using the L-key style, they ****; that's the ancient design that I mentioned I was using prior. Yes, it works, yes that design is still used after over a century, but time moves on. The Lisle above with the red handle is tool free and clamps via an over-center mechanism. You tighten it once onto the piston, with the serrated nut, then you just clamp and unclamp it with the handle. It opens up, you install it on the piston, then move the handle to clamp it and compress the rings, then install piston. Once you properly adjust it, that's it, no more adjusting for the rest of that engine, just clamp and unclamp like Vise Grips, but using the red lever.

 

[Mgdoug3]

The Lisle one looks handy. I have the old style band clamp I bought from Napa years ago and it works the best for me because I work with pistons larger than 5". I may pick up the Lisle for under 5" though. I have the clamp with ratcheting pliers and haven't been impressed. The largest size is usually too small for the diesel engines I work on.

 

[Wamsutta]

I like the old fashion kind that you turn with an Allen key.

 

[2oolhound]

I haven't tried this but a lot of guys used to find some PVC tubing just smaller than the piston and cut one side open so it spreads but still has enough strength to hold the rings tight. I'm definitely going to try this if I ever need to.

 

[vwpieces]

I haven't tried this but a lot of guys used to find some PVC tubing just smaller than the piston and cut one side open so it spreads but still has enough strength to hold the rings tight. I'm definitely going to try this if I ever need to.

I'd be worried about plastic scraping off. Not seeing it once installed. Just a heads up.

 

[WildBill]

I've used the Lisle wrinkle band style one at least 20 times, no issues. Maybe in a production environment the set size ones would be better but not for one engine. I have no idea what brand mine is, its 25-30 years old.

 

[Wrench97]

I appreciate all the feedback so far! Sounds like the semi-adjustable ones like the Summit I posted are well-regarded.

I like the idea of getting a fixed compressor in the EXACT size, but it looks like ordering from Total Seal would be expensive. They don't list anything as small as I need and I imagine a custom version wouldn't be cheap - e.g. it appears they sell the same style as Summit (maybe they're even the OEM since Summit's is also MIUSA), but for $80 instead of $30. I expect a custom version would be even more - I might spring for that if fixed was a significant improvement over semi-adjustable, but not if they're close.

Happy to hear from someone familiar with the Lisle wrinkle band version too. I'm still tempted, mostly because the feedback seems surprisingly good for something so cheap - and I could easily go grab one from the tool store tonight if I wanted.

I don't really expect to build other engines anytime soon - I wasn't planning on doing this one actually! I knew I was in for a head gasket, but it became apparent I needed to do more once I had the head off.

The only fixed diameter ones I have fit Detroit 3(53/71/92 series) and 1 Cummins(855ci) I use the Lisle one for everything else.

 

[toyotadriver]

I like the old fashion kind that you turn with an Allen key.

This is the only type I've used and it works well.




Nothing in this post should be misunderstood, interpreted, misinterpreted, or construed to be of a political nature.

 

[Ricky Joe]

The Allen key works better and faster if you use a 1/4” ratchet and extension. I prefer that style, also, but have never used the Lisle. Probably don’t need the cylinders bored. Use a ridge reamer and you will probably be fine. Especially if the engine is in the car.

 

[dnschmidt]

I live 8 miles from Total Seal so I just coughed up the cash and drove over to pick the right size up for the Powerstroke 6.0 we recently rebuilt. I don't remember what it cost but when you’re working on a F350 probably worth $80,000 at least you don't worry about nickels and dimes. The Bulletproof Kit cost $11,000 so why worry about details.

 

[MrPink]

we use this style here at work and it works great.

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