Cleaning/Inspecting Piston Ring Grooves; Measuring Piston-Ring End Gap; Piston Assembly; Cleaning/Inspecting Piston - Arctic Cat 450 XC 2011 Service Manual

3. Install the valve springs with the painted end of the
spring facing away from the cylinder head.
 NOTE: If the paint is not visible, install the ends of
the springs with the closest wound coils toward the
head.
4. Place a spring retainer over the valve springs; then
using the valve spring compressor, compress the
valve springs and install the valve keepers.

PISTON ASSEMBLY

 NOTE: Whenever a piston, rings, or pin are out of
tolerance, they must be replaced.

Cleaning/Inspecting Piston

1. Using a non-metallic carbon removal tool, remove
any carbon buildup from the top of the piston.
2. Inspect the piston for cracks in the piston pin, boss,
top, and skirt areas.
3. Inspect the piston for seizure marks or scuffing. If
piston is scored or galled, replace it with a new one.
4. Inspect the perimeter of each piston for signs of
"blowby" indicated by dark discoloration. "Blowby"
is caused by worn piston rings, excessive carbon in
ring grooves, or an out-of-round cylinder.
Removing Piston Rings
1. Starting with the top ring, slide one end of the ring
out of the ring-groove.
2. Remove each ring by working it toward the top of
the piston while rotating it out of the groove.
 NOTE: When installing new rings, install as a com-
plete set only.
Cleaning/Inspecting Piston Ring
ATV-1011A
Grooves
1. Take an old piston ring and snap it into two pieces;
then grind the end of the old ring to a 45° angle and
to a sharp edge.
2. Using the sharpened ring as a tool, clean carbon from
the ring grooves. Be sure to position the ring with its
tapered side up.
Improper cleaning of the ring grooves by the use of
the wrong type of ring groove cleaner will result in
severe damage to the piston.

Measuring Piston-Ring End Gap

(Installed)
1. Place each piston ring in the wear portion of the cyl-
CC132D
inder. Use the piston to position each ring squarely in
the cylinder.
2. Using a feeler gauge, measure each piston-ring end
gap. Acceptable ring end gap must be within specifi-
cations.
Measuring Piston Pin, Connecting
Rod Small End, and Piston-Pin Bore
1. Measure the piston pin outside diameter at each end
and in the center. If measurement does not meet
specifications, the piston pin must be replaced.
Manual
Table of Contents
CAUTION
CC400D
CC995
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