Removing Those Wonderful Snap Rings BY RICHARD R. VENSEL Removing snap rings has always been a prob- lem. Most rebuilders say that their units are as good or better than |f OE and if that were so, |f_ you would think that they are replacing all of the critical parts. Snap rings are a critical part and here is an easy way to get them off and prevent all those stab wounds. Using your large resistance soldering power supply (hot prod) and the normal solder and de-soldering electrodes, place the electrodes in the middle of the exposed snap ring on the opposite side of the opening and heat the electrodes until the snap ring turns purple. This will take all the strength out of the snap ring and it can easily be pried off with pliers or a pair of pointed diagonal cutters. For the snap rings that are the hardest to remove, like the Nippondenso snap rings, a bearing splitter and a puller adapter with longer than normal bolts come into play. After pulling the gear back, tap the snap ring retainer back because you want as much access to the snap ring as possible. You now have the snap ring exposed and can heat it opposite the opening and pry it off the shaft easily. Richard Vensel is owner of Vensel Enterprises, Crystal Lake, Ill.