engine honing

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Nick167

Member

• Jul 16, 2014

• #1

I could post this in the 8n forum but its just a general question I put one new sleeve in and the other 3 are pretty smooth do they need honed? Or are they fine without it? Also you can spin and spin the intake valves do they need reseated? Thanks in advance

Nick

 

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JRSutton

Well-known Member

• Jul 16, 2014

• #1

honing creates a cross hatch pattern that keeps the proper amount of oil between cylinder walls and piston rings - you want a 45degree pattern, less holds too much oil, more doesn't hold enough. 45 is just right.

So yes- you need that cross hatch pattern. Of course the tractor WILL run without doing it, these aren't v8 racing engines - but it's easy enough to do, so I'd recommend it.

as for the valves - an easy way to check if they're seating properly is (obviously with the head off) fill the plenum area with kerosene, then watch to see if any leaks through the valve. If it drips out you need a valve job. If a small amount seeps out - you probably still need a valve job, just not as bad. If none comes out in an hour, you're good.

 

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Nick167

Member

• Jul 16, 2014

• #1

Thank you the reason I ask is a friend offered to do it for me but it might not be for a few weeks and I'd really like to get this engine back together

 

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David G

Well-known Member

• Jul 16, 2014

• #1

Nick,

Just do it right.

 

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Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

• Jul 16, 2014

• #1

If the choices are to a)do it right, or b)do it over soon, always choose a).

Cheaper in the long run.

 

Janicholson

Well-known Member

• Jul 16, 2014

• #1

If the 3 cylinders not replaced were not taken apart, and the new cylinder has the hone marks in it, AnD if the engine was not using oil it is OK to run it as is. Id they were taken apart, I would hone them as noted below.
The valves should not spin if they are closed. If they do the engine will not run. Each cylinder should have both valves closed at its TDC compression. It is a flat head engine, and might be difficult to check the valves by pouring solvent "on" it. Look at the valves when they are open to assess their condition. deep grooves in the sealing face, or thin edges on the exhaust valves are bad. Cracks or burned grooves are also service time. Jim

 

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David G

Well-known Member

• Jul 16, 2014

• #1

Nick,

It really sounds like you should wait for help before proceeding with any work.

 

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Cas

Well-known Member

• Jul 16, 2014

• #1

Everbody says they can hone engine cylinders. It is not hard if you have the right hone. For what you are doing I would use a ball hone and variable speed drill. GOODSON is a large supplier of quality engine machining supplies. They have a good website and product discription and prices.
Intake valves all turning is a little puzzling. Do you have the valve springs off. Intakes usually do not burn. But, the exhaust valves more than make up as far as having burn marks and leaking.
I look up some utube videos and watch them. If you do not find enough good ones email me. Richard G mentioned do it right. Part of that is learning all you can for the job you are going to do. And, do not rush it too much.

 

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Bob

Well-known Member

• Jul 17, 2014

• #1

Below is a link to some tips from and EXPERT.
Ring tips

 

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JRSutton

Well-known Member

• Jul 17, 2014

• #1

Interesting take. I've never heard that before.

But I would guess he's probably right when talking cast iron rings, since they're softer and will seat more easily.

It would be interesting to know how it was done at the factory.

 

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ASEguy

Well-known Member

Location

Festus MO

• Jul 17, 2014

• #1

Honing is not just to provide sufficient oil for ring break-in, but also to allow for proper piston to bore clearance. If the bore and piston are new then you will need to have that clearance verified. I would check that clearance anytime I replace either the piston or the sleeve.

 

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JRSutton

Well-known Member

• Jul 17, 2014

• #1

great point regarding the flat head engine! - that certainly makes the leak test much more difficult!

If the valves are spinning when they're in the fully closed position, then they're not seating.

First thing I'd check is the valve lash adjustment - don't need to measure it at this point, just make sure you've got a gap at all - could be the valve seats are so worn that the gap is gone and they can't seat tightly.

 

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buickanddeere

Well-known Member

• Jul 17, 2014

• #1

What has occurred to replace one sleeve and keep the other three aged and worn sleeves?
What did you measure the piston to bore clearances to be? What ring gap are you planning to use?

 

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Nick167

Member

• Jul 17, 2014

• #1

Thanks everyone and it was burning oil in 2 cylinders one of which it had swallowed the sleeve. As for the intake valves when they are closed they do not spin only when they're open

 

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JRSutton

Well-known Member

• Jul 17, 2014

• #1

this post made me realize I misread the original post earlier - I'd add one more question - are you using new rings on all pistons? or just re-assembling?

 

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Nick167

Member

• Jul 17, 2014

• #1

im using new rings on all pistons

 

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dr sportster

Well-known Member

• Jul 17, 2014

• #1

There are different grades of honing stones. If the service manual doesn't specify the grade of stones then check with the ring manufacturer. If you use too coarse a stone the deep scratches will not be removed by the finer stone later. If you can spin your valves with your hand you better do a pressure test on the springs [ could be normal and you are the only guy to ever try to spin them. Do the kerosene for leakage test.

 

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David G

Well-known Member

• Jul 17, 2014

• #1

definitely honed.

Did you measure ring end gap?

 

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Nick167

Member

• Jul 17, 2014

• #1

Thanks again everyone I talked to the guy today he will be coming tomorrow at 9 in the morning he's going to check the gap and hone them and also check and reseat valves if they need it