How does one compress the piston rings on a MS 290?

[CREC_Sawyer]

It's my first 290 rebuild and now that I finally got the liquid gasket in I'm ready to rock. Then I started looking at the shape of the cylinder and realized my piston ring clamps wont fit. I have the feeling there is a really simple way to do this but it's Monday and thought I could appeal to the wisdom out here. Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[fastLeo151]

Theres a special stihl tool, I think mine was 4 bucks, you can also use a zip tie

 

[bucknfeller]

Bailey's sells a handy little set of ring compressors. If you don't have time to wait, a large ziptie will work, or you could just use your fingers. An old toothbrush handle ground down to a point can be handy as well.

 

[fastLeo151]

Bailey's sells a handy little set of ring compressors. If you don't have time to wait, a large ziptie will work, or you could just use your fingers. An old toothbrush handle ground down to a point can be handy as well.

Standard ring compressors wont work.

 

[bucknfeller]

Standard ring compressors wont work.

Why not? Not doubting you, just curious. I've done some 1127's with zip ties, and I can't remember seeing any reason the compressors wouldn't work...

 

[Scooterbum]

The handles on the ring compressors stick out.

I just use a pick to work them up in.

 

[fastLeo151]

The handles on the ring compressors stick out.

I just use a pick to work them up in.

Yep what scoot said....

 

[CREC_Sawyer]

I figured it was something like that, thanks for the advice

 

[67L36Driver]

Yep what scoot said....

Or, a popsicle stick. Grandkids keep me supplied.