AA pin clips

[rodeking]

I THINK I can see a sharp edge on one side of these wrist pin clips or am I seeing things? Please don't get into the button vs clip thing, just want to know if there is a sharp side out on these clips. Thanks.

[67rustavenger]

Yes. You can feel the sharper edge with your fingers. The smoother (rounded) side faces the wrist pin.
The sharper edge of the cir-clip bites into the wrist pin groove while facing the cylinder wall.

Good Luck.
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[rodeking]

Great, thanks!

[satterley_sr]

Also count your clips! After installing my cylinder heads and coming back the next day I noticed a clip on my bench. Dang I thought I missed one. After disassembling all four cylinders, all clips were in place. They had sent an extra one and I did not notice.
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[FreeBug]

[modok]

The importance of getting the clip the right way is not the only important thing. If you get it wrong it will probably still work. It is also important to orient the gap the right way, usually toward crank for high revs, or toward piston top for tractors. The ends of the piston pin should be square, and the end play of the pin between the clips should be .003-.016, or something near that anyway. Not too tight, not terribly loose.
IF the clip gets beat out, it is usually because the connecting rod is slightly bent thus side loading the pin, or the pin is getting side loaded for other reasons. EMPI clips are slightly wider than AA's clips and will probably fit.

[FreeBug]

[modok]

One guy taught me to put the gap up, and.....I don't think he's wrong, but if you ask the high performance guys they will tell you to put the gap down, and....maybe it doesn't really matter, but I betcha nobody will tell you to put the gap sideways.

[FreeBug]

[Zed999]

The UK equivalent to GEX...
8 clips? - Check.
All fitted? - Check.

[UK Luke 72]

The Engine Shop?
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[Zed999]

[nsracing]

You have to make sure the clips are in the groove.

So I do not forget, I prep the pistons with one circlip already in the other side once they are in the cylinders. So when I push the pins thru the rod end I only have to witness one clip going in. Clip goes in the groove and I turn it a little to make sure. Then I push with my finger on the clip. Eyeball both of the clips before I push the cylinders down.

A lot of people still install the pistons first by themselves and then slide the cylinders on them after. It is way simpler to install the pistons already in the cylinders. Apply the sealer on the bottom and slide down. Easy.

[rodeking]

Yes, that's how I do it also. So much easier then trying to put the cyl over the piston on the engine. After installing the clip I also turn it a little with the clip pliers either side of 6:00 and then push around the clip circumference with a small punch, then inspect it with a magnifying glass. then seat the cylinder. I put the ultra black on the cyl base before I install the piston on the rod.

[Glenn]

[kangaboy]