Wrist pins in Cadillac 390 pistons

[Matt Innocenzi]

Can anyone provide insight as to how the wrist pins are inserted into the pistons of Cadillac 390 engines?  Usuaully, wrist pins are held in with spring clips and include a bushing.  I have a 1962 Cadillac 390 engine and got new pistons, but there are no spring clips or bushings provided.  Were the pistons back then pressed in?  If so would that eliminate the need for the spring clips and the bushing that are found in other engines?  Any insight to this is appreciated!

Thank you!
Matt Innocenzi
CLC #21633

[Jack Miller CLC# 24441]

Can anyone provide insight as to how the wrist pins are inserted into the pistons of Cadillac 390 engines?  Usuaully, wrist pins are held in with spring clips and include a bushing.  I have a 1962 Cadillac 390 engine and got new pistons, but there are no spring clips or bushings provided.  Were the pistons back then pressed in?  If so would that eliminate the need for the spring clips and the bushing that are found in other engines?  Any insight to this is appreciated!

Thank you!
Matt Innocenzi
CLC #21633

Matt,

I remember back in the mid 60's having to get my 283 Chevy wrist pins pressed, centered & set. I just looked at the service manual for the 1961 Cadillac and it shows the wrist pins being pressed in.

Jack

Jack

[Matt Innocenzi]

Hi Jack,

Thanks for the reply.  Engineering-wise how would this work?  What keeps the wrist pin from "walking" side to side and damaging the cylinder walls?  Also, without a bushing, wouldn't the forged connecting rod wear out the aluminum piston?

Thanks!
Matt