Piston Wrist pins. How tight should it be?

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johnpstoll
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Piston Wrist pins. How tight should it be?

Post by johnpstoll »

I'm rebuilding the 6-cylinder flathead out of my 1953 M37. I have a question about the piston pins. The rod ends bushings were burnished to fit the pin and they are a good fit. I'm having to use a hydraulic press to push the pins into the pistons. I've never had piston pins that are this tight before. I assumed they would be a thumb pressure push fit. Which is right?

Thanks
just me
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Re: Piston Wrist pins. How tight should it be?

Post by just me »

My book is buried atm so I can't look it up. But the fit specs are in it.
"It may be ugly, but at least it is slow!"
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Argie1978
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Re: Piston Wrist pins. How tight should it be?

Post by Argie1978 »

I've only seen pins installed by thumb pressing when the rod's end gets really hot with the torch. Otherwise it's the usual gentle hammering.
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johnpstoll
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Re: Piston Wrist pins. How tight should it be?

Post by johnpstoll »

I cleaned them up with a green pad and tapped them in with a rubber hammer. They were originally packed in cosmoline. I had to soak them for a day in gasoline to unravel all the packing. I still had to press them out of the piston with a press. Must have been some cosmoline around the pin. I think this is the last time I use NOS pistons and rings. I'll buy new stuff next time.

Thanks for the help.
Cal_Gary
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Re: Piston Wrist pins. How tight should it be?

Post by Cal_Gary »

Carb cleaner takes off Cosmoline easily-no need to soak, especially in gasoline! Be careful Friend!
Gary
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1954 M37 W/W
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