Kohler CV491S Wrist Pin Clip Install?

[Mek-a-nik]

It's just a simple "C" clip, with no tang on the end as a handle. A real pain to install. Any tips?

[bgsengine]

pain to remove, but installation is just a matter of sliding the wrist pin in as a "blocker" and push 'er in with thumbs.

[Mek-a-nik]

Actually, I had little trouble getting it out. There's a relief cast into the piston that I was able to get an awl in, to start it out, and I got it out the rest of the way with a scriber.
I've installed many pin clips, I've never had one this difficult. It's made of round wire, with nothing to hold on to. Thumbs ain't doin' this one. It's very stiff wire.
I don't see a specific tool in the service manual, and it doesn't say how to install them, just, "install the pistons on the rods".
I've tried various combinations of needle nose and screwdrivers and other things. I'm trying to avoid putting a hole in my finger(s).
I'll keep trying, I just thought I'd post while I fiddle. When I get it, I'll post the solution for any future searches.

[bgsengine]

You sort of coil them in - sort of like you do with piston rings - start one end in the groove and press/work the rest of it in - that's where having the wrist pin installed helps - keeps the "started in" end from popping out further down the bore. - Also have put them in by starting them at a right angle to the bore with the "open end" out and just squeeze/push the ring in the bore, then tilt it over sideways until it pops into the groove.
Never really had a problem installing them, but troublesome sometimes to get them out, if you can't get something under and behind one end to get it started out - Much more difficult removing them on the smaller piston pins (chainsaws) than the bigger engines like Kohler, etc - but the principles are the same..

[Mek-a-nik]

Holding with needle nose, about 1/4" from it's end, I put the other end in the groove, holding it down with a finger while twisting the needle nose and the clip into the groove, at least good enough to be able to push it into the groove completely with a screwdriver tip.
Not that hard after all, the main part was the twisting on the needle nose while pushing it in. Bottom line was that it took more muscle than I expected.
"That is all."

You were typing while I was, Brian. Essentially, I did what you said. Needle nose were required, though!

[bobodu]

Just did two yesterday on the wife's Rotax. The little screwdriver sure comes in handy.