Bought some cylinders, wanted to Hone with ball hone then was told never use one except maybe on a lawn mower? Exact words from our local Bike Shop Owner?? . He said they will clack and balls go into ports and break off?/ then ruining the cylinder?? Im a bit apprehensive and am trying to get a engine together winters coming fast we actually have some snow. Woo Hoo!! Then one guy says use wiseco bore brushes another says diamond hone stones in head another scotch bright. Man, I dont have extra Cylinders to mess up and just want to do it the right way. I dont know jack about nikasil cylinders and just want to do a crosshatch in them without screwing them up any more than they are. I really appreciate youre patience with my Posts I feel stupid asking these things but am leery of mucking up a cylinder . thanx guys
I had a debate in a thread about this before. Some guys say don't use it, others swear by them. Cat recommends a ball hone so my theory is they can't be that bad for your cylinder. Obviously proper sizing and techniques are critical.
I spray brake kleen in the ports to get the grit and stone material out. Then wash with soap and water. If you use any transmission fluid on a white towel it will take the black grit out of the pores. Keep wiping till clean and white remains. Brake Kleen will only clean surface and not remove the stuff out of the pores. Transmission oil has an additive and will clean that stuff out. Done that on all engines all my life. :lol:
.... Man, I dont have extra Cylinders to mess up and just want to do it the right way. I dont know jack about nikasil cylinders and just want to do a crosshatch in them without screwing them up any more than they are. I really appreciate youre patience with my Posts I feel stupid asking these things but am leery of mucking up a cylinder . thanx guys
There are competent and skilled people with experience who can do the job right. This is something you should not attempt yourself unless you are in that small group of technically competent and experienced machinists.
The cost to have your cylinders honed for you is not very much... finding the right man (properly equipped and trustworthy) may be a more difficult task. Ask around the race tracks in your area, speak to a few professional racers... Many times the best of the best keeps his head down and don't advertise. Popularity wastes a lot of a mans time and returns nothing useful, so you gotta go find him... and convince him that you won't disrespect his work after you leave.
Oh come on, I'm sure after a long summer and rainy fall that thumb could use a few more work outs to be made ready for the throttle next week when snow arrives.... slaphappy
Wish we had competent shops around here. I try to do all my work but new things at times confuse me after I spend so much time on the internet and get different opinions. Im gonna try some ball hones and have a go in a old cylinder first. I really appreciate the Hints and Tips, Thank you very much Mike
I've never looked for them, but you'd think there would be many videos on the web of people deglazing, resurfacing, refreshing nicasil cylinder bores. When I've watched the tech at my local dealer do mine it is a very quick and simple process. The ball hone is chucked into a drill and they'd give it two or three strokes and that was usually all it needed. We are talking about just a few seconds, two to four, with the ball hone. My guys would clean the cylinder in the parts washer basin and use the fluid as the lube, running it under the tap while zipping the hone. I wash them with hot water when I get home, before reassembly.
Having a spare to practice on would be a great thing. You can always send it out for a re-plate if necessary. ;-)
Great post Wes!
Mineral spirits makes a pretty good lube as it serves two purposes, lubing and helping clean home stones of grit, and helping with the washing of cylinder (cuts down on a lot of cleaning afterwards)