Installing pistons-can't get all rings into cylinder

[DaydreamDrifter]

'90 KA24E I am using a dual band ratchet-type ring compressor. I have lubed the rings and compressor with oil and have tried positioning the piston up and down the whole chamber of the compressor but I beleive the OEM "bevel" at the top of the cylinder is allowing the top ring ( #1 ) to expand before it is in fully. I managed to get piston 4 in but no luck with any of the others. Please HELP

[12Ounce]

I recently rebuilt a '93 K24 and know what you are going thru. I finally gave up on the rachet ring compressor ... they just don't build 'em like they use to.

Here's what finally worked for me. I went to a real (not Home Depot or Lowes) plumbers supply shop and bought a roll of good quality THICK WIDE metal pipe hanging strap ... the strap with all the holes in it. I cut a length that was ample to go around the piston plus a few inches. The ends are folded back, doubled over. A round slotted head screw (1/4" x 3"L), plus washers and nut ... gave me a rig that would really tightened up around the pistons and hold the rings deep in the grooves.

Have everything greased up good, line up everything carefully, then quickly pop the piston downward with a rubber hammer ... works bout every time!

[DaydreamDrifter]

ingenious! happen to have a picture of this? I have the idea of it in my head. how wide is the hanging stip?

[12Ounce]

Don't have a picture ... and I'm now miles away from my shop. But it's a pretty straight forward solution ... make "ears" by folding the strap ends back at right angles, possibly doubling and ... then poke the bolt thru the ears. Make take a couple of tries, hunting holes to get the fit just right. When you tighten 'er up, the ears should almost ... but not quite, touch.

I'm guessing the strap width to be 5/8" ... it'll cover all the rings, but just.