Cylinder honing question.

[Jarhead ☠]

Hello group, I have a question about honing the cylinder on my 5-30.
I've used a 2" flexhone on all my 2" cylinders but not too sure about the 2 7/16" cylinder.
My concern is if the balls will do any damage to the channels or exhaust port?
I love what the 2" did for my saws and hopefully a bigger one will do wonders now.

Thanks in advance for the advice.
Al D.

[sweepleader]

I personally would not use one in any chrome plated aluminum cylinder with ports as the potential for damage would scare me. The chrome is very hard but if you bash a corner or nick it, off it comes and things go south in a hurry. If you have had good luck and you feel its OK, then it is your hone and your cylinder, by all means have a go.

[Jarhead ☠]

Thanks for the heads up. What would you suggest I use? I see Bailey's uses the flexhone in the video demonstration their shop did.

Al D.

[sweepleader]

Bear in mind that I have not resurrected a cylinder, all the damaged ones I have come across have been far gone and replaced.

There is good video on line showing use of Scotch Brite and sandpaper, which of course I cannot find just now. (Maybe someone else has it bookmarked.)

Some have used acid. Acid use must be limited to the smeared aluminum in the cylinder, not in the ports or anywhere else. It will eat any aluminum it finds and undercut the plating, very bad.

All these are to removed smeared on aluminum from a hot piston back down to the chrome underneath. If the chrome is damaged, flaking or scored, you cannot repair it with home techniques.

In my opinion, it does not need to be honed for oil retention or any other reason, the factory finish is fine and cannot be improved in a used cylinder even if it looks bad. The chrome is only a few thousands of an inch thick and with wear included, will not stand up to honing.

All of this is just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

[Supercharged86]

I agree with Dan, use very fine grit crocus/emery cloth and follow up with scotchbrite, as seen in the video, parts 1 and 2. www.youtube.com/watch?v=cksVNkI4zps&t=9s

[sweepleader]

Thanks Super Steve, that is the one I was looking for.