Piston Pin Clip Removal

[leversole]

Struggling with removing my piston ring clips....I have the clip opening partially over the "gap" in the piston pin, but am struggle with getting it off, actuall not able to move it outward with any small picks or small screwdrivers that I have....I referenced the tool called out in the manual, and there is one on Ebay, looking at it, I cannot figure out how it helps or point my in the direction to get teh clip off...
Thanks
Leslie

[dukekleman]

Leslie,

I typically use a Snap on branded transmission pliers.
Shown below.
Screenshot_20260110-122854.png

The other thing you can do is drill a couple of holes in the ends of the circle. Size the two holes accordingly to your snap ring pliers. Now use your snap ring pliers to remove the clip.

Hope this helps,

Duke Kleman

[Rubone]

Struggling with removing my piston ring clips....I have the clip opening partially over the "gap" in the piston pin, but am struggle with getting it off, actuall not able to move it outward with any small picks or small screwdrivers that I have....I referenced the tool called out in the manual, and there is one on Ebay, looking at it, I cannot figure out how it helps or point my in the direction to get teh clip off...
Thanks
Leslie

What kind of clips does it have? H-D used different types over the years. Is it a large "L" shaped clip? if so removing it ruins it even with the factory tool. It isn't designed for re-use. If you look at the factory tool it has a notch cutout in the end of the shaft. A screwdriver is used in conjunction with that notch to lever the clip up and out when positioned so that the clip end overhangs the pin slot and the tool is inserted flush with the pin and notch facing the slot. Anything that fills most of the pin hole will work as an anvil to lever the screwdriver. Installation is much more difficult.
If it is a spiral clip the end needs to be found, then slightly raised with a pic and carefully unwound from the pin.
If a C-Clip a standard snap ring tool will remove it.
DCP_3984.JPG

[leversole]

They are the L shape,,,,so it sound like I can put a half inch pc of steel through the pin, position then end of the clip near the slot, and grind a special "crowbar" shape on the end of a screwdriver and work it out?

IMG_7369.jpeg

[Rubone]

They are the L shape,,,,so it sound like I can put a half inch pc of steel through the pin, position then end of the clip near the slot, and grind a special "crowbar" shape on the end of a screwdriver and work it out?

IMG_7369.jpeg

Pretty easy to get out. A 3/8 socket extension positioned with a flat up and a standard screwdriver will get it lifted up and started out. You can then work it out with a pair of pliers.