Installing a compression ring ~ do you have to heat it?

by Keith
(Warsaw MO USA)

I have a Craftsman 25 gal compressor that stopped building up pressure. I took it apart and the compression ring was in pieces. I bought a new ring but can't get it installed. The ring is wider than the piston shaft and I don't have enough strength to push the piston and new ring into the shaft. Do you have to heat the ring to make it flexible enough?

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Bill says...

Keith, that's a good question, and I do not know.

Is there anyone out there that has done this and can help Keith?

Thanks,

Bill




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Installing a compression ring ~ do you have to heat it?

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Nov 15, 2011
 compression ring installation
by: Anonymous

In case anyone else searches for this...I just replaced my compression ring.

It looks like it won't fit but if you use the valve plate and the four cylinder head screws(my screws were too short to accomplish this with the cylinder head attached) to slowly draw the cylinder down by tightening them evenly diagonally.

It will form that flat ring down like your old one was. I know it seems like something will break but it doesn't.

I put mine in boiling water to soften it but I don't think it's necessary, by the time I got everything in position I'm sure it was back to room temperature.

______________________
Thank you!
B.
Feb 23, 2011
 COMPRESSION RING
by: JEFF

I just changed the compression ring in my 30 gal craftsman compressor last night. If you ordered the right one, all you do is remove the piston top, slide the ring into the piston sleeve and center it on the top of the piston. then replace the piston top and screw. I used a little airtool oil to aid in the install. replace the head with new gaskets and fire it up. mine worked just perfectly.
Sep 15, 2010
 Re: Installing a compression ring ~ do you have to heat it?
by: Anonymous

When you say shaft do you mean the chamber? As far as I know after positioning the ring on the piston in order the replace it into the chamber (block) you either compress it the ring with your fingers or use a ring compressor.

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