Piston ring compressors

[Ashdowner]

Is it easy to use piston ring compressors when rebuilding a CB550? It strikes me that there's not much space with the barrells dropped to get the compressors out when the last two pistons have gone in.

[mike the bike]

Try using the coke can and cable tie method.

[Bryanj]

Unless it is way overbored you don't need them as there is a taper at the bottom of the liners

[Ashdowner]

Bryan that how' I've done it (by myself) in the past on twin cylinder Honda's with a 180 degree crank without any problem but my mate who's helping me keeps telling me that compressors are essential on a 4 cylinder to avoid fiddling about with the last 2 cylinders. Think I'll tell him to shut up and get on with it. 

[Bryanj]

I think Trigger and oddjob will agree that all you need is patience and a small screwdriver as the barrels will not slide down on the two fitted ones whilst you get the last two in

[Seabeowner]

Did it yesterday on the 500 and two people make the job much easier. 2&3 at top first. Then turn engine to bring up 1 &4. As Bryan said just finger nails or rather thumb nails in my case and gently jiggling to use the taper. (and just the gentlest tap with my hand once I was sure that things were going ok.) I put a tiny amount of thin grease on the taper before I started, but maybe someone will tell me that's a bad idea. And then a dose of oil. from the top.