Are you using SPI or OEM pistons? I bought the OEM tool when I rebuilt my 1000sdi with OEM pistons; it was tricky for sure. One of those tools that you don't use often at all, but the cost and frustration that can result from not having one makes it worthwhile.

 

SPI pistons. I couldn't get it to work. It would trash the clips every time. Ended up having to use needle nose pliers and work them in with those. Really hate the idea of it but they are tight and I trust them

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I couldnt get that stupid thing to work either. Try this method:

 

I couldnt get that stupid thing to work either. Try this method:

figured that trick on on the last one haha. had to stop for the night because The SPI base gaskets arnt numbered for thickness and my calibers battery's were dead. Anyone know the sizes of the SPI full Gasket Kit base gaskets? there are three of them. Ive tried doing some searches but not having any luck.

 

Spi rings that came with my pistons for my 800 would not fit in my circlip tool, they would close up the gap all the way and I had to trim a little off each end to get them to go all the way thru the tool, awesome tool once you figure it out

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Spi rings that came with my pistons for my 800 would not fit in my circlip tool, they would close up the gap all the way and I had to trim a little off each end to get them to go all the way thru the tool, awesome tool once you figure it out

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I couldnt get the rings to compress into the circlip tool. My SPI circlips didnt have the tails on them to slide into the groove so compressing them was... well ill leave that thought to myself

 

Ive never use a tool with no issues. Just needle nose pliers and maybe a screw driver. Maybe try that...

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I couldnt get the rings to compress into the circlip tool. My SPI circlips didnt have the tails on them to slide into the groove so compressing them was... well ill leave that thought to myself

Yes they are a pain to get started, especially getting them in the tool straight is tough aswell

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Wooden dowel Rod helps to push it in the grooves without marring up the metal surfaces.

 

Ive never use a tool with no issues. Just needle nose pliers and maybe a screw driver. Maybe try that...

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That's what I do. Needle nose pliers, screwdriver, and a lot of patience.

 

Never needed that tool either. I always use a good quality pick and finger pressure. Quite simple really, and this is coming from a tool guy who has a "Collection " of tools.Sometimesone can over think simple things.

 

just did this with spi pistons and it worked ok, so it is possible, one you get it in the tool installation is a breeze.

 

Never needed that tool either. I always use a good quality pick and finger pressure. Quite simple really, and this is coming from a tool guy who has a "Collection " of tools.Sometimesone can over think simple things.

x2 except I prefer the straight version of the pick. And a small flat blade screwdriver close by to push them in if they catch.

 

A trick for easier installation of the second circlip is to push the wrist pin against the first circlip. Same goes to remove the first circlip during removal. This gives additional room for removal and installation.

 

The reason I like the angled pick is the tip is very sharp.It bites into the clip and usually doesn't slip off of it.A little patience goes a long way,going to fast and it's easy to gouge the piston.I thought about buying the installation tool,but I feel it's not needed.

 

The only pistons I have ever used are OEM. I think it would be impossible to install those circlips without the tool. I wrecked a couple trying it the old fashioned way and never even came close to getting them in.
Got the tool and a tap of the hammer, in they went.

 

The only pistons I have ever used are OEM. I think it would be impossible to install those circlips without the tool. I wrecked a couple trying it the old fashioned way and never even came close to getting them in.
Got the tool and a tap of the hammer, in they went.

I use mostly OEM as well, and I find the larger the circlip diameter the easier it is to compress with your thumb. Removal is the easy part, although that's when most circlips get bent out of shape. It's all about technique, yet I suspect that circlip tool offers a far better chance of installing the circlip without damage. The 1000 is child's play since it has a recess in the wrist pin area that offers a ledge to use prying tools. I actually have two folders stored on my laptop with a set of pictures for both removal and installation. They come in handy when I think that I remember right, but I don't. It's the same problem that I have with the circlip that holds the gear on the starter. It used to take 30 min of cursing and bloody finger to remember how I did it the previous time, and now I'm down to 5 min to remember and 25 min for the execution. Then I learned from DooTalk that I could simply cut the circlip in half lol That reminds me to add a cut circlip and spare spring to my sled maintenance kit.

 

Ah the good old starter drive clip. Don't think I've ever managed to remove one of those without shoving a tool of some sort into my finger. Good times.

 

The trick that I found was using needle nose Vise Grips to hold back the gear and cup, and use the needle nose to leverage a pick and blade screw driver. It works best with a second set of hands, but it is doable alone if you lock the handle of the needle nose to keep the shaft from spinning. Installation is the tough part.

 

the tool is great although I have the SKIDOO one, got on ebay for like 35, the first time I put spi circlips in it took me probably over an hour counting breaks for my hands.
first time I used the tool I practiced with old circlips on an old piston, when I did the new rebuild it took 10 minutes for all the clips or less

 

I have the tool and the SPI pistons on my 04 REV. I would put the clip in the holder perpendicular to the opening. Turn the clip so it was fitted in the opening, then use the hammer assy of the tool to place the clip in the groove. I practiced with old clips on the old pistons till I got it right.

 

I put the spi coated pistons in my 98 formula III 700 a couple months ago. They were a little more difficult,but I had them in within 10 minutes or less.Using the pick I illustrated can be painful if you slip,but you catch on quick.Just like the clutch bushing tool I recently purchased. Sounded like something I needed,but the correct size arbor,or socket would do the trick almost as easily.