It works well. Haven't found one wide enough to cover all three rings.
The first ring is easy to work in with fingers. Use the tie-rap on the
2nd and oil ring.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Tabe Johnson
Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 2:06 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Can you use tie-wraps to compress WBX piston rings?

Has anyone ever tried using tie-wraps (zap-straps, whatever)
as ring compressors for WBX piston rings?  The way I envisage this
working is you put your tie wraps over the rings, crank 'em
down, slide the cylinder on, and the tie wraps slide down as you
put the cylinder on.  You could then cut the tie wraps off.

Might this allow you to reinstall the cylinders without having to
remove the piston?

Comments?  Good idea?  Bad idea?

tabe johnson/87 westy