Piston and Rod Removal of a Reciprocating Industrial Compressor | Complete Removal and Installation 

Double Acting Piston and Rod Removal Procedure part of Complete Reciprocating Compressor Maintenance and Operation Guide.
Prior to Starting up, operating, or maintaining gas compression equipment, please refer to the appropriate Packager's Operating Manual and the Compressor Original Equipment Manufacturer's Maintenance and Repair Manual for safety precautions and warnings.
Special Tools Needed:
Slugging Wrench
Piston Nut Spanner
Piston Entering Sleeve
Stepwise Procedure:
1. Move Crosshead to inner dead center
2. Loosen Set Screws
3. Loosen Balance Nut
4. Install piston nut spanner on piston nut
5. Turn Piston Rod out of Crosshead and Balance Nut
6. Inspect Piston Rod Entering Sleeve
7. Install Piston Entering Sleeve making sure not to overtighten
8. For piston rods 2'' and larger, use a correct size bolt or threaded rod to aid in piston removal
9. Slide the piston out of the cylinder making sure rings do not spring out or fall
10. Carefully guide piston rod through oil wiper and packing
11. Remove piston nut spanner
12. Once half the piston is out of the cylinder remove piston rings and wear band(s)
11. Install a clean strap around the piston and lift so the piston is centered in the bore
12. Continue guiding piston rod carefully through the packing and keep piston rod centered in the cylinder until completely removed