
Honing a two-stroke cylinder is a divisive topic, with some forums advising against it. However, many mechanics and experienced motor builders agree that it is a necessary procedure to ensure proper lubrication of the piston ring, which is crucial for the cylinder's performance and longevity. The main concern when honing a two-stroke cylinder is the potential damage to the multiple ports, which can be avoided by using a nylon brush-style hone, the most popular method. Other methods include a flex-hone ball hone and a 3-finger hone, which require more expertise to avoid damaging the ports. To determine if honing is needed, a machinist can use a bore gauge to measure the cylinder and advise on the best course of action.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Honing Methods | Flex-hone ball hone, 3-finger hone, nylon brush-style hone |
Most Popular Honing Method | Brush hone |
Reasoning for Popularity of Brush Hone | Will not damage the multiple ports found throughout the two-stroke cylinder |
Honing in Your Own Garage | Not recommended |
Bore Gauge and Inside Micrometer | Required for honing cylinders in your garage |
Cylinder Boring Cost | $40 per cylinder |
Cylinder Boring and Honing Cost | $70-$80 for both cylinders |
Cylinder Boring Cost in Oregon | $40 per cylinder |
Cylinder Boring Cost in Minnesota | $80 per cylinder |
What You'll Learn
- Honing a two-stroke cylinder can be done in your garage but it is not recommended
- The most popular style of honing is the brush hone as it does not damage the multiple ports
- A machinist can tell you whether your cylinder needs honing or boring by checking it with a bore gauge
- Honing is recommended if there is a score that catches on your fingernail
- A local machine shop can bore your cylinders for a reasonable price
Honing a two-stroke cylinder can be done in your garage but it is not recommended
Honing a two-stroke cylinder can be done in your garage, but it is not recommended. While it is possible to hone a two-stroke cylinder at home, it is a complex and delicate process that requires specialised tools and a high level of technical expertise.
There are several methods for honing a two-stroke cylinder: a flex-hone ball hone, a 3-finger hone, or a nylon brush-style hone. The most popular method is the brush hone, as it does not damage the multiple ports found throughout the two-stroke cylinder. However, using a ball hone on a two-stroke cylinder can destroy the ports, and a 3-stone rigid hone will be destroyed by the ports.
To properly hone a two-stroke cylinder, you need to set up the correct piston-to-cylinder clearance and have a thorough understanding of what you are doing. It is easy to make a mistake, and an incorrect honing can cause major damage to the cylinder. For example, if you try to use a floating 3-stone hone, it will likely catch the edge of a port and be destroyed. Similarly, a ball hone can wash out the ports and cause damage.
Therefore, while it is technically possible to hone a two-stroke cylinder in your garage, it is not recommended due to the high level of skill and specialised tools required. It is much safer and more effective to have the cylinder professionally honed by a machinist or a machine shop, who will have the necessary expertise and equipment to do the job correctly. This will ensure that the cylinder is honed correctly and avoid the risk of damaging the cylinder further.
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The most popular style of honing is the brush hone as it does not damage the multiple ports
Honing is a process of conditioning the surface of a cylinder wall to help with the lubrication of the piston ring(s) during operation. The most popular style of honing is the brush hone, also known as the nylon brush style hone, as it does not damage the multiple ports found throughout the two-stroke cylinder. This is in contrast to the 3 stone rigid hones, which will be destroyed by the ports in a two-stroke cylinder.
Brush hones are available in different grits and materials, which should be chosen based on the type of piston rings you have. They are also available in different sizes, which should be chosen according to your cylinder bore. Brush hones are ideal for restoring the crosshatch marks on the cylinder wall, which are essential for helping the cylinder wall retain oil to assist with piston ring lubrication.
When honing your cylinder, it is important to inspect your cylinder wall and ports for damage. If there is any damage, it is recommended to send your cylinder to a trusted shop for their recommendation. If your cylinder is in normal condition with no damage, and you are just changing rings between top ends, then honing should be the only thing required.
It is worth noting that some sources advise against honing two-stroke cylinders, as it can ruin them. However, others argue that not honing can lead to improper lubrication of the piston ring, which can cause more damage to the cylinder walls. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether or not to hone their two-stroke cylinder, but it is important to do your research and make an informed decision.
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A machinist can tell you whether your cylinder needs honing or boring by checking it with a bore gauge
A machinist is an expert in the field of machine construction and maintenance. They can use a bore gauge to determine whether your cylinder needs honing or boring. A bore gauge is a measuring instrument used to calculate the depth or internal diameter of a bore or hole. It is an essential tool for routine maintenance to check for wear and tear, and to decide when equipment needs to be changed.
There are several types of bore gauges, including telescopic, small-hole, dial, and digital. The telescopic bore gauge is a traditional, T-shaped tool that is manually adjusted to measure the internal diameter of a bore. Small-hole gauges are used for, as the name suggests, small bores, and come in half-ball and full-ball styles. Dial bore gauges have a more direct approach, with three anvils that extend and retract to measure the bore, sending the measurement to a dial. Digital bore gauges are the most advanced and safe option, offering wireless technology and accurate measurements for wider and deeper bores.
A machinist will be able to select the appropriate bore gauge for your cylinder, depending on the specifications, and use it to determine the extent of any wear and tear. They can then advise on whether honing or boring is required. Honing is a process of smoothing and correcting the surface of the cylinder, while boring involves enlarging the bore to remove imperfections.
In the case of a two-stroke cylinder, a machinist might use a digital bore gauge to assess the depth and diameter of the cylinder, as this type of gauge is well-suited for wider and deeper bores. They may also choose a dial bore gauge, which can measure bore diameters ranging from 2" to 6". The specific method and tools used will depend on the machinist's expertise and the requirements of your cylinder.
By consulting a machinist and utilising their specialised tools, such as bore gauges, you can make informed decisions about honing or boring your two-stroke cylinder.
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Honing is recommended if there is a score that catches on your fingernail
When to hone a two-stroke cylinder
If there is a score on the cylinder that catches on your fingernail, honing is recommended. Honing is a process that removes material from the cylinder to smooth out imperfections, such as scratches or scores, and restore it to its original cross-hatched finish. This process is typically done using a honing tool, which can be a flex-hone ball hone, a 3-finger hone, or a nylon brush-style hone.
Honing vs boring
Honing is often confused with boring, but the two processes are distinct. Honing is a less invasive process that removes a minimal amount of material from the cylinder to smooth out imperfections. Boring, on the other hand, involves removing a larger amount of material to increase the size of the cylinder bore. Boring is typically done when the cylinder is so damaged that honing is not sufficient to restore it to a usable state.
When to hone
Honing a two-stroke cylinder is generally recommended when there are light scratches or scores on the cylinder that can be felt with your fingernail. This process can help remove the imperfections and restore the cylinder to its original cross-hatched finish. Honing is also commonly done when installing new piston rings, as it helps create a proper surface for the rings to break in.
When not to hone
It's important to note that honing should not be done excessively, as it can affect the roundness of the cylinder and take it outside the ring gap limits. If the cylinder is severely damaged or worn, boring may be a more appropriate solution. Additionally, if the cylinder has already been honed multiple times, it may be necessary to bore the cylinder instead to ensure the integrity of the bore.
Honing process
When honing a two-stroke cylinder, it's crucial to use the correct honing tool and technique to avoid damaging the cylinder. The most popular style of honing tool for two-stroke cylinders is the brush hone, as it does not damage the multiple ports found throughout the cylinder. It's also important to use the appropriate grit for the honing stones, as too aggressive a grit can cause further damage. The honing process should be done with plenty of oil to lubricate the cylinder and the honing stones.
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A local machine shop can bore your cylinders for a reasonable price
If you're looking to get your two-stroke cylinders honed, you might be wondering if you can do it yourself or if you need to get a professional involved. While it is possible to hone cylinders in your own garage, it's not recommended, especially if you're looking to oversize your pistons. Honing cylinders correctly requires setting up the proper piston-to-cylinder clearance, and if you don't have the right tools and expertise, you can end up doing more harm than good.
That's where a local machine shop comes in. They have the necessary equipment and expertise to bore and hone your cylinders correctly, ensuring that your pistons have the proper clearance. The cost for this service can vary depending on your location and the specific machine shop, but it's generally quite reasonable. You can expect to pay around $40 per cylinder for boring and honing services, which is a small price to pay for peace of mind and a job well done.
For example, one user on a forum mentioned that they paid $45 per cylinder to have their cylinders bored and honed by a local shop in Mansfield, Ohio. Another user shared that they were quoted $700 for cylinder bore and honing, as well as coated cam bearings, which was considered a fair price for quality work. It's important to ask around and get quotes from multiple shops to ensure you're getting a good deal.
When choosing a machine shop, it's crucial to consider their reputation and experience. Ask other enthusiasts, mechanics, and engine builders for recommendations, and don't be afraid to inquire about their processes and turnaround times. A good shop will be transparent about their practices and will work with you to meet your deadlines. Remember, when it comes to machine work, you get what you pay for, so it's worth investing in quality services to ensure the longevity of your engine.
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to attempt to hone your two-stroke cylinders yourself, it's generally more advisable to leave it to the professionals. Local machine shops have the necessary equipment and expertise to bore and hone your cylinders correctly, ensuring optimal performance and longevity for your engine. With reasonable prices and peace of mind, it's a small price to pay for a job well done.
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Frequently asked questions
If your two-stroke cylinder has lost compression, it may need honing. A machinist can use a bore gauge to check if the cylinder needs to be honed or bored. If the cylinder is a couple of seasons old, it most likely needs to be bored.
There are three methods for honing a two-stroke cylinder: 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 will not damage the multiple ports found throughout the two-stroke cylinder.
While it is possible to hone a two-stroke cylinder yourself, it is not recommended. Honing a cylinder requires proper tools and techniques to be done correctly. It is best to have a machinist or a reputable machine shop perform the honing to ensure it is done accurately and safely.