Wrist pin retaining clips (circlips), can they be re-used?

[jrs_diesel]

I'm going to need new pistons and rings for my rebuild of a 72 Johnson 6 HP (the wrist pins are still good). Do I need to buy new wrist pin retaining clips? At $30 for 4 clips (from Evinrude's website store), that's kinda steep ($7.50 for a little spring steel clip).

If they are normally replaced as part of a rebuild, then I'll definitely buy them. But I'd like to hear from other have done rebuilds on this subject.

Thanks

 

[yorab]

Re: Wrist pin retaining clips (circlips), can they be re-used?

My pistons came with wrist pins and the clips. Do you know if the clips will come with your pistons as well? If so, then this will be a moot point.

 

[nymack66]

Re: Wrist pin retaining clips (circlips), can they be re-used?

No self respecting mechanic will tell you NOT to replace the clips, A huge percent of power head failures are attributes of this clip falling off. Most piston kits for sale includes the clip and wrist bearings.
Bottom line is please do yourself a huge favor and replace them...

 

[yorab]

Re: Wrist pin retaining clips (circlips), can they be re-used?

Not sure if you've ever installed that type of clip before, but there is a trick to it. FR taught me on one of my earlier threads. Without a proper method, it's a real PITA to get them in without them springing all the way across the room. You gotta use needle nose pliers and kinda 'twist' the clip into place. After about 2 of them, it gets really easy. You may already know this, but I thought I'd tell ya.

 

[jrs_diesel]

Re: Wrist pin retaining clips (circlips), can they be re-used?

Wow, that was fast!

Aye, aye. I will replace the clips.

yorab, BRP sells their parts individually, so I'll have to buy all the peices seperate. Luckily I don't need to buy the wrist pins. Mine were still perfectly round with no wear.

I used the reverse of that trick to get the old ones out. Still a pain in the butt. Eye protection for sure

 

[DargelJohn]

Re: Wrist pin retaining clips (circlips), can they be re-used?

One other piece of advise...Make sure the open ends of the circlips are facing downward in relation to the top of piston.

 

[jrs_diesel]

Re: Wrist pin retaining clips (circlips), can they be re-used?

One other piece of advise...Make sure the open ends of the circlips are facing downward in relation to the top of piston.

Good advice, thank you

Anyone know a cheap source for these things (OMC 120110)? BRP website has them at $15 each Even boats.net lists them for $10. Sadly, iBoats does not carry them.

Surely there must be a cheaper source for these little clips.

 

[yorab]

Re: Wrist pin retaining clips (circlips), can they be re-used?

post a wanted ad on the aomci.org Webvertise site. You'll be surprised at how many people out there have the simple little things like that. Some will ask for list price and some realize just how ridiculous some of the list prices are, so they'll make you a reasonable offer.

 

[boobie]

Re: Wrist pin retaining clips (circlips), can they be re-used?

At $15.00 each for those clips BRP must be going NUTS!!!

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Wrist pin retaining clips (circlips), can they be re-used?

I think it's crazy that they don't include them with a purchase of a piston. Just plain nuts.

 

[Jayrock]

Re: Wrist pin retaining clips (circlips), can they be re-used?

I made a slick tool for installing those clips out of a pair of aluminum crutches. The bottom part of the crutch that is adjustable is 2 pieces of aluminum tubing that slide tightly inside each other. I cut out a 1ft section, then cut the outer tubing an extra inch. To install a clip, you press the clip into the end of one of the larger of the tubes. Then hold the end of larger tube with the clip in it against a flat surface. Next place the smaller tube inside the larger one, and slowly seat it against the retaing clip. this will push the clip to the very end of the larger tube and flatten it in the bore of the larger tube. Now carefully hold it against the wrist pin bore of the piston. When the tool is tight to the piston, tap the end firmly and the inside tube will push the Retaing clip into its seat. VOILA! now turn the clip so the gap faces downwards. I can install a clip in 30 seconds with this tool, and no scratches at all to the piston whatsoever from the pliers method.

 

[boobie]

Re: Wrist pin retaining clips (circlips), can they be re-used?

OMC made that as a special tool yrs ago, but it was made out of steel. I still may have one laying around in one of my tool boxes. If I could find it. When you installed the clip with this tool, you made sure the open gap was down before popping it in.

 

[Jayrock]

Re: Wrist pin retaining clips (circlips), can they be re-used?

OMC made that as a special tool yrs ago, but it was made out of steel. I still may have one laying around in one of my tool boxes. If I could find it. When you installed the clip with this tool, you made sure the open gap was down before popping it in.

I do that too, but it doesnt always land perfect. Steel can mar the aluminum piston, that is why the aluminum made sense to me. I got the idea from a Snap-on tool i saw at a machine shop. Blew my mind. I was freaking out that this guy could pop those clips in so easy. my thumbs would hurt for days after a rebuild from those f*****g clips.

 

[Mas]

Re: Wrist pin retaining clips (circlips), can they be re-used?

One other piece of advise...Make sure the open ends of the circlips are facing downward in relation to the top of piston.

OK ...I had not heard this...What's the rational...so they do not create a trap? Makes sense if so.

Mas

 

[boobie]

Re: Wrist pin retaining clips (circlips), can they be re-used?

By having the opens ends down that's when the piston has the most pressure on it when it fires. This helps hold the ring in opposed to 3:00, 9:00 or 12:00 position.

 

[Mas]

Re: Wrist pin retaining clips (circlips), can they be re-used?

Alright, I just learned something.

Thanks,

Mas