
Honing a two-stroke cylinder is a process that involves deglazing the cylinder and creating a proper cross-hatch pattern to ensure effective lubrication of the piston ring. While some forums advise against honing a two-stroke cylinder, experienced mechanics and dirt bike enthusiasts have successfully honed their cylinders to improve compression and engine performance. To determine if a two-stroke cylinder can be honed, it is recommended to have a machinist inspect the cylinder with a bore gauge to measure the thickness and identify any scores or scratches. Honing is generally recommended if the cylinder is within the acceptable thickness range and has minor wear or scratches. However, if the cylinder is significantly worn or damaged, boring and replacing the cylinder might be necessary.
What You'll Learn
- A machinist can check with a bore gauge to see if honing is needed
- If the cylinder is a few seasons old, it will likely need boring
- Honing may take you outside of your ring gap limits
- A nail-grabbing scratch on the cylinder will likely need boring to remove
- A local machine shop can bore cylinders for a reasonable price
A machinist can check with a bore gauge to see if honing is needed
Honing can be done at home, but it requires the proper tools and very good technique. A machinist's hone can be used, but these are not cheap and can cost a couple of hundred dollars. A bore gauge and an inside micrometer are also needed. The cost of these tools is much more than the cost of sending the cylinder out to be honed.
A local machine shop can bore cylinders for a relatively low cost, and this is money well spent. It is not worth the time or accuracy to do it yourself unless you plan on investing tens of thousands of dollars in opening a machine shop.
Brain Trauma and Strokes: Understanding the Link
You may want to see also
If the cylinder is a few seasons old, it will likely need boring
Boring a cylinder involves taking it to a machine shop, which will do the job for a relatively low price. The cost of boring a cylinder is usually around $40 per cylinder, but prices can vary depending on the shop and the specific job. Some shops may charge more for additional services such as chamfering and honing. It is important to find a reputable shop that has experience with two-stroke cylinders to ensure the job is done correctly.
While it is possible to hone a cylinder at home, it is not recommended for two-stroke cylinders. This is because the ports in a two-stroke cylinder can easily be damaged by a three-stone rigid hone. A nylon brush-style hone is the most popular choice for two-stroke cylinders, as it will not damage the multiple ports. However, even with the right tools, honing a cylinder at home can be challenging and time-consuming. It requires proper technique and knowledge of what you are doing.
If you are considering honing or boring your cylinder, it is important to first measure it with a bore gauge to see where it sits. This will help you determine the best course of action and ensure that you do not exceed your ring gap limits. It is always a good idea to consult with a machinist or other experienced individuals to get their advice and recommendations.
Exercise: Preventing Strokes, Saving Lives
You may want to see also
Honing may take you outside of your ring gap limits
Honing a two-stroke cylinder is a divisive topic, with some forums advising against it. However, many experienced mechanics and motor builders agree that honing is beneficial and even necessary when installing new rings. Honing helps remove glazing and light scratches, providing a proper surface for new rings to break in. It is also done to improve lubrication of the piston ring, reducing the risk of damage to the cylinder walls.
When honing a two-stroke cylinder, it is crucial to use the correct tools and techniques to avoid damaging the multiple ports. The most popular honing method for two-stroke cylinders is the brush hone due to its flexibility and lower risk of damaging the ports. Other methods include the ball hone, three-finger hone, and rigid hones like Ammco or Lisle, which require more skill and care to avoid catching on the ports.
Now, regarding ring gap limits, it is important to understand that the ring gap allows for piston ring expansion. Too much ring gap can lead to increased blow-by, while too little ring gap can result in ring seizure due to a lack of expansion room. When honing, it is crucial to stay within the specified ring gap limits for your specific engine. Failing to do so can lead to various issues, including piston seizure and reduced engine performance.
To ensure you do not exceed the ring gap limits, it is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's specifications and service limits for your particular engine. These limits can vary depending on the make and model of your two-stroke engine. It is also essential to use proper measuring tools, such as feeler gauges, bore gauges, and micrometers, to accurately assess the ring gap during the honing process.
Additionally, when honing, it is crucial to use the correct honing technique and not remove too much material, as this can affect the ring gap and engine performance. Taking off too much material can result in the piston rings being too loose, leading to increased blow-by and reduced engine compression. Therefore, honing may take you outside of your ring gap limits if not performed carefully and within the specified parameters.
In conclusion, while honing a two-stroke cylinder can provide several benefits, it is essential to stay within the specified ring gap limits. Failing to do so can lead to various engine issues. Always refer to manufacturer specifications, use the correct tools and honing techniques, and measure the ring gap throughout the process to ensure you do not exceed the limits.
Stroke and Cardiac Arrest: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
A nail-grabbing scratch on the cylinder will likely need boring to remove
A nail-grabbing scratch on a two-stroke cylinder will likely require boring to remove the imperfection. This process involves taking the cylinder to a machine shop, where they will use a boring machine to remove the scratch and restore the cylinder to its proper shape and size. While it is possible to attempt this process yourself, it is not recommended due to the risk of causing further damage to the cylinder.
The boring process will typically cost around $70-80 per cylinder and will ensure that the cylinder is correctly honed and deglazed. It is important to note that only a local machine shop familiar with boring two-stroke cylinders should be trusted with this task. Additionally, it is crucial to thoroughly clean the cylinder after the boring process, using a soft white cloth and new oil, before assembling it back into the engine.
While some people suggest that a two-stroke cylinder should not be honed, others argue that it is necessary to remove glazing and light scratches, as well as to provide a proper surface for new piston rings to break in. It is recommended to use a rigid hone, such as a four-legged hone with plenty of oil, to avoid damaging the cylinder ports. The correct grit for the hone stones will depend on the level of damage, starting with 280 grit to remove score lines and finishing with 500 grit.
When deciding whether to hone a two-stroke cylinder, it is important to consider the severity of the damage and the equipment available. For minor damage, such as light scratches, a quick hone with a ball hone may be sufficient. However, for more significant damage, such as a nail-grabbing scratch, boring may be the only effective solution to restore the cylinder to its original condition.
In conclusion, a nail-grabbing scratch on a two-stroke cylinder is a significant imperfection that will likely require boring to remove. While it is possible to attempt this process yourself, it is recommended to leave it to a professional machine shop to avoid further damage. The boring process will ensure that the cylinder is properly honed and deglazed, providing an optimal surface for the piston rings to function effectively.
Golf Handicap: Strokes, Scores, and Secrets
You may want to see also
A local machine shop can bore cylinders for a reasonable price
When taking your cylinder to a machine shop, it is important to have the pistons you plan to use beforehand so that the shop can machine the cylinder to the correct piston-to-wall clearance. It is also crucial to do your research and choose a reputable shop with experienced professionals who will provide quality work. Poor machine work can lead to costly issues down the line.
While you may be tempted to attempt cylinder boring and honing yourself, it is generally not recommended unless you have the proper tools, technique, and experience. Investing in the necessary equipment can be expensive, and incorrect techniques can result in damaging your cylinder. Additionally, machine shops have the expertise to ensure that your cylinder is bored and honed to precise specifications, which is crucial for optimal engine performance.
By taking your two-stroke cylinder to a local machine shop, you can rest assured that the job will be done correctly and safely, saving you time, money, and potential headaches in the long run.
Hand Surgery After a Stroke: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
If you've lost compression, it's likely that your cylinder needs honing.
There are three methods: a flex-hone ball hone, a 3-finger hone, or a nylon brush-style hone. The most popular style is the brush hone as it does not damage the multiple ports found throughout the two-stroke cylinder.
The cheapest option is to hone the cylinders and get new piston rings.
The only real way to tell is to have a machinist check it with a bore gauge. There is only about 5 thousandths of an inch from new to needing to be bored. If it's a couple of seasons old, it most likely needs to be bored.
Drop the coin and do what the machinist says. It will be cheaper in the long run to bore/hone and drop in new pistons than to buy another top end.