PhilM

Lads, has anyone got any experiance of Spiro Locks?

This is the first engine I'm going with them and I'll be fooked if I can get them in (or even half in ). Why cant they just use circlips

Any tips?

PhilM

ON-UJAH

Use some oil and a screwdriver. Push the spiral out using the screwdriver and get one bit in - hold it in place with your fingers. Then slowly push the rest in using the screwdriver. It's tricky but once you get the hang of it it works. You dont have to 'spiral' it in, just push progressively around. It will scratch the aluminium but that isn't a problem. Make sure it sits in its groove.

vroooom ptssssh

theres a tool for them! like a pair of pliers but with 2 thin bits that go through the hole on the lock and you squeeze together to fit it.
or else try a pair of long nose plyers, sometimes does the job! or 2 flat screwdrivers held with both hands, fidly little fuckers

ON-UJAH

I dont think there is a tool for the type of locks Phil means - they are double or even triple wound spirals, there are no holes. It's like a thin key-ring. You cant squeeze them together.

It's hard to explain, you just sort of progressively push each mm of the spiral into the bore, working your way around. I'll post some pictures up later. Just be careful not to extend the spiral too much that it deforms, when initially getting the first bit in.

vroooom ptssssh

ah, excuse me. i thought he meant these ones (on the left of the 3)

Anonymous

I think me means the ones on the right?
One on the left are normal circlips.

Thats what my new pistons have anyway, and they fire off a treat across the workshop if you arent careful taking them out

PhilM

The ones in the middle on that pic

Thanks ON-UJAH, I'll keep trying

ON-UJAH

These should help you:

ON-UJAH

There is a special tool for getting them out, without it you can pretty much forget it.

The reason for using them (as opposed to C-clips) is that on a fully floating pin (as used on race engines) a bearing surface is needed which will not become loose or wear out.

What pistons do you have? Is it the american Zetec turbo 'off the shelf' ones? If so would you PM me the details (comp height, pin diameter, dish cc etc.) it would be good to know exactly what they sell over there, they may be good for low comp ZVH for example.

PhilM

Thanks mate!

I still cant get them in propperly, just bending them Do you know if they can be substituted for "standard" circlips? (As per left of Vroom's diagram)?

PS. They are Probe pistons, 8.2:1 CR and 0.5mm oversize

EDIT....Sorted, got them in (well, one pistons worth anyway .....really have to be a bit brutal with them.....but theyre in, thank fook! thanks mate!).....let me know what measurements you want and i shall vernier them tommorow for you