Little end question

[Bikemike]

When stripping and checking the top end I noticed this-



One of the pistons is using two types of retaining clip. I've had a look in the manual and they should be simple snap rings like the one on the right.
Can a normal circlip be used?
Is it better? Worse? A bodge by the previous owner when he lost the snap ring?
Any advice gratefully received,

Mike

[Tambo]

Don't take any chances - never re-use piston circlips - get genuine ones if you can.

You normally leave one in while stripping an engine, suspect the circlip ones happened to be lying around handily at re-build time

Brings back memories from my 50cc days Not a nice feeling emptying your piston rings out of your exhaust

[smithyrc30]

Hi I'd check the groove in the piston now where the circlip sits. The design in the piston is for a round form clip, the one on the left is a square form.

Hopefully it hasn't damaged the seat so you can use a proper wire type one.

Can the one on the left, get a proper wire type one and if the piston groove is marked, get another piston.

When they come out at 10000rpm they make a hell of a mess in the barrel, the piston is cheap by comparison.

Never ever use a square form clip in a round wire groove or vice versa.

Always use new clips, and always put a rag in the crankcase until they are in and seated. You can never get the buggers out if you drop one in to the crankcase......

[Bikemike]

Very good advice, thanks chaps.
Didn't think it looked right and I didn't want to damage a really good barrel.

Mike