Do you guys think that I will be able to install a new piston by myself?? I don't know a lot about this 4 stroke motor, I know a lot about the old 2 strokes though, so are they pretty much the same as far as installing a piston??? Do I need any special tools to do it with?? How do I compress the rings?? Do I need to lube anything before putting it piston back in?? Do I need to worry about any tolerences or clearances?? Also, am I going to need any new gaskets?? If I'm forgetting anything, please mention it. Also, anyone have any info on JE pistons?? I've never been apart of them, I've always used Wiseco, but probably will go with JE. Thanks for all of the help.

Brad

 

I use a ring compresser...works great. 4 Stroke....2 Stroke....all the same. What I do is take some oil and rub the cyclinder down real good with it. Yes you will need new gaskets.

 

Brad, make sure you check valve clearance with some clay on top of the piston.

 

clay?? or is that play......sorry, not real familar with some of this stuff......anyone know what the clearance should be??


Thanks to all who are helping me......

Brad

 

intake is 0.10 - 0.20 and exhaust is 0.22 - 0.32

 

Clay.. Click here for a good website explaining.

 

that's some good stuff NJ

 

Yep. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] A little more work, but not introducing mr valve to mr piston is worth an hour or so. I suspect with stronger springs, you could run even closer, but then you'd wear/break other things.

 

ok thanks guys for everything, I think I should be able to get it now.........

 

I would think checking valve to piston clearance would have to be done if a larger cam or over sized valves were going to be installed.

Stock compression on the Predator is 10.8:1, I will be going up to a JE 11.5:1 stock bore piston with special made WEB cams. The cams are close to the 260i specs. but installing heavy duty springs. Also going to be running on pump gas..........