C clips

[SmudgeDog]

I've just had one pop out and destroy my new RT225 kit. Now I am as sure as I can be that they were fitted correctly...I put my reading glasses on and even tried pulling them out with a dental pick! I have done this ever since I made that error as a 15 year old on the very first "upgrade" I ever fitted. Is there a better way to be sure before I destroy another one? Cheers.

[Warkton Tornado No.1]

IMO the best clips are those wire type without legs or ears. Ideally, the ‘C’ shaped type should be almost too long to fit. Obviously these type are round section for matching grooves in the piston.

Of the type described above, I rate the Wiseco type as very good.

[SmudgeDog]

Thanks WT1. They are C clips and as I am very sure I fitted them correctly I am going to do some measuring.

I do have 1 c clip in situ that I can measure...I might have to chop the destroyed piston to get my feeler gauges into that groove.

I think that in future I will use a firm fit drift (whatever socket is 15.75mm ish) to make sure they are home.

[Warkton Tornado No.1]

I forgot to mention that a habit of mine is to fit ‘C’ clips somewhere close to the ends being at 6 o’clock from TDC then rotate them to the desired position with a pointed tool. The thinking behind this process is to ensure the clip is fully seated & also see if their is any rotational movement upon the next strip down.

I have found that they do tend to rotate a little to settle & this must be due to the wrist - or gudgeon - pin moving about.

Actually, as I type this, I realise that there can be a significant load come about from the pins as - although I’ve never had the destruction of the top end as you have - I had a pattern Suzuki TS 250 piston that started to crumble in the area around the ‘C’ clip. That was likely due to the piston design & - again, thinking about it - there are quite a few variations in that area.

You probably will buy the same kit to replace your wrecked engine, but have you sought any redress from the seller/manufacturer? Evidentially, you clearly know what you are talking about…..

[SmudgeDog]

I eventually measured everything and all was good so will conclude that it was my error. Just pleased that it was mine and not one of the locals that I occasionally do stuff for. I did put the gaps at 6 o'clock on the new kit and so far so good...100 miles with some thrashing at WOT. I think it is good!