If you’ve never installed a set of pistons before the task can seem pretty daunting, but fear not, MAHLE Motorsport is here to make it easier. This video produced by MAHLE Motorsport shows you what tools you’ll need and how you can install a set of pistons into any engine at home.

The first thing you’ll need is some type of tool to compress the piston rings so you can slide the piston and connecting rod into the engine block. There are several adjustable tools available for this task, but they each have their own drawbacks and those are explained in the video. The best tool for the job is a ring compressor that’s specific for your bore size. Before you slide the piston and rod into the engine block, you’ll want to coat the inside of the cylinder with plenty of oil to prevent damage to the bore.

After you’ve oiled the wrist pin and skirts of the piston, it’s time to add the compressor and install the parts. You’ll want to not only be careful with how you insert the piston and rod, but you’ll also want to make sure everything is oriented correctly. The valve relief pockets need to be in the correct position on top of the piston based on where the valves are in the cylinder head. After you’ve done that, you’ll just need to hold the ring compressor and tap on the top of the piston so it drops into place. You’ll want to make sure that you don’t cause the piston to bind in the bore; to prevent this, you’ll want to evenly tap on different areas of the piston.

For additional tech tips, follow the Mahle Motorsport YouTube channel.