How to Bore Out an Engine Cylinder
by Tom Lutzenberger
As engines get used, over time their cylinders become worn out. This wear and tear results from the ongoing friction stresses created from the piston, the piston rings and the combustion of the engine. During a major rebuild, boring out and honing the engine cylinders provides new life to the engine parts and reduces combustion problems from deposits.
Step 1
Dismantle the cylinder and remove it from the engine. Use a socket wrench and sockets and various crescent wrenches as needed to release the engine cylinder case. Remove any remaining engine parts from the cylinder so that it is completely bare. Wash it down in a large wash tub with kerosene or a similar solvent to remove engine dirt and residue. Let the cylinder part air-dry.
Step 2
Position the cylinder part in a holder so that it remains locked still when working on it with a boring cutter tool. Position the cylinder so that it is facing upside down and straight upwards. Position the boring cutter so that it is parallel with the cylinder. Allow the boring cutter tool to lower into the cylinder and perform the boring work, producing a round hole in the cylinder material. Finish the cylinder ports with a hand-held rotary or grinding tool by chamfering the intake and exit port edges inside the cylinder (only applies to two-stroke cylinders). Use a rotary burr for the initial chamfer work and a sandroll bit for the final grind.
Step 3
Attach the proper-size honing tool for your cylinder to a power drill or similar tool that will allow the honing tool to rotate at high speeds. Use a screwdriver to adjust the tension on the honing tool so that it properly fits the cylinder when inserted. Apply engine oil to the honing tool end so that it is fully covered with oil.
Step 4
Insert the tool into the cylinder and turn it on to maximum speed, holding it firmly. Move the honing tool in and out of the cylinder quickly so that it doesn't grind one spot too long. Do not pull it all the way out or you will damage the cylinder edge. Pull the tool out and check the work. Reinsert the tool and spin it the opposite direction. Pull the tool out again and ensure that the inside of the finished cylinder displays a cross-hatch pattern.
Step 5
Take the grinded cylinder and wash it completely with hot water and soap. Rinse it one final time and then dry it immediately. Do not let it air-dry or you will get flash rust.
Step 6
Apply engine oil to a paper towel and wipe it on the inside of the cylinder. Pull the paper out and look for gray or black stains. Keep lubricating with more paper towels and oil until the paper towel no longer stains.
References
Tips
- Wear goggles and gloves and a work apron when performing any kind of grinding work. This prevents being hurt by any stray metal bits that come flying out of the cylinder.
Things You'll Need
- Socket wrench and sockets
- Crescent wrenches
- Kerosene or solvent
- Wash tub
- Cylinder holder
- Boring cutter
- Hand-held rotary or grinding tool
- Rotary burr
- Sandroll bit
- Power drill
- Honing tool
- Engine oil
- Screwdriver
- Water
- Dishwasher soap
- Paper towels
Warnings
- If you have a professional perform your boring cylinder work, take a look at his equipment first. If he only shows you honing tools and no more, take your business elsewhere as he won't perform a complete job.
Writer Bio
Since 2009 Tom Lutzenberger has written for various websites, covering topics ranging from finance to automotive history. Lutzenberger works in public finance and policy and consults on a variety of analytical services. His education includes a Bachelor of Arts in English and political science from Saint Mary's College and a Master of Business Administration in finance and marketing from California State University, Sacramento.
