Removing wrist pin from Piston and connecting rod

[Mr Comet]

I have never done this before and not sure if I want to. I am working with a 68 ford 200 cid. There is not any retaining clip on either side of the pin. What tools, equipment, ect do I need to accomplish this task? I have heard some people say I need heat, is this true? If a shop press is needed what size? I am changing the pistons after having the block bored. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Denny

 

[rbohm]

i generally use a 20 ton shop press as the pins are a press fit in the rod. what most people do when installing the pins is heat the small end of the rod so that when you press the pins back in they go in fairly easily. you have to be careful though not to heat the end too much or you lose the rods temper, and that will cause other issues.

 

[Mr Comet]

So the removal has no heat? it's the installation which does. Did you use a propane or acete. heat? When I do copper plumping the copper changes hew and that's how I know the time is right to apply solder. Any kind of hint on this application?

 

[rbohm]

So the removal has no heat? it's the installation which does.

basically yes.

Did you use a propane or acete. heat? When I do copper plumping the copper changes hew and that's how I know the time is right to apply solder. Any kind of hint on this application?

there is a specific rod end heater that most shops use so they control the heat. something long these lines;

http://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.racingjunk.c ... HEATER.jpg

 

[bubba22349]

X2, Yes right no heat is used for pin removal, automotive machine shops use an electric rod heater that heats only the small end (pin end). I don't know what temp it heats them too, then they use a special pin tool to push the pins into the rod with the piston in a holding fixture so pin is installed the correct amount. You also need to work quickly so the pin dose not lockup before it's in all the way fitted, lastly they squirt some oil on the pin and piston pin hole to Cool and Lube it. Good luck

 

[64 200 ranchero]

machine shops usually charge around $10 to remove and install new pistons onto rods, that's what im going to do, I have ruined rods before trying to do this on my own without the proper tools, be careful :!:

 

[rbohm]

machine shops usually charge around $10 to remove and install new pistons onto rods, that's what im going to do, I have ruined rods before trying to do this on my own without the proper tools, be careful :!:

and i agree. better to spend a few bucks and have a pro do the install than run the risk of breaking something.

 

[Mr Comet]

Rich

Thanks for contributing ideas for both side of the issue.

Ranchero

I have decided to pay for this service thanks for the advice. It is difficult at times to know what to try and do myself and what just to pay for. Probably will continue to be a challenge for me but thanks to the forum you help me see it from numerous angles. Many counselors.

Denny

 

[rbohm]

denny, often times just looking at the job at hand, and the tools you have on hand, will generally tell you what to try and what not to try. for instance torque wrenches and ring compressors are fairly cheap, and torque wrenches can be used in many operations, so assembling an engine is a job you can do. if you have a shop press, i like a 20 ton model as it is the most versatile, you can do many jobs like replacing axle bearings, and perhaps even rebuilding manual transmissions, among others. for some jobs though you need specialty tools that you will use only once or twice in a lifetime, and these are the jobs that you farm out to the pros.

 

[edgewood bronco]

In my youth I made a press using a piece of allthread and a couple nuts and washers and maybe some angle iron to install a piston on a rod in a 289. I had it all centered and the pin going in nicely until the piston crushed like a beer can under the tension. DANGIT! Who knew you had to heat them to get them on?
On my current rebuild, the shop doing the machine work is doing it as part of the deal. Much faster and easier!

 

[woodbutcher]

Actually,using a hot plate and one of the infrared thermometers will get the job done quite well.Just be CAREFUL not to burn yourself or break a piston.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo