Deglazing nikasil cylinder

jridout12
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Doing a top end on my yz125 and I'm debating how to deglaze the cylinder. I've done some research and it seems like honing is not a good idea on nikasil. I really like the scotch brite idea but i've also read that you shouldn't do that either as it can leave tiny particles embedded in the bore (not sure on that its just what i've read and thats why I'm asking here) . Just curious to hear some methods of cylinder cleanup because I'm torn on what to do

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5/3/2023 3:50pm

I’ve gone against the rule of not honing, and haven’t had an issue with a ball hone. At the same time, I stopped doing that and just use scotch bright and dish soap. When I’m done I use brake cleaner and white towels. The reason for not honing any more is there really wasn’t an upside, if honing is absolutely necessary then it’s likely time for a replate anyways. I’ve used millennium in the past, but Powerseal has shorter wait times as of 6-8 weeks ago 

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walent215
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5/3/2023 8:55pm Edited Date/Time 5/3/2023 8:56pm

I can’t count or remember all the cylinders I’ve used red or green scotchbrite on….. with wd40

 

Then  suspension clean afterwards 

then light coat of wd 40 until I assemble 

4
5/4/2023 4:14am

im with the guys above, scotch brite with wd then i clean with atf fluid to clean,i atf even when they come back from fresh plating as there is always honing crap from every platers i've ever used here in the uk20190427 134950.jpg?VersionId=UPdcPhftGqCKsVWUWqP 

 

1
jridout12
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5/4/2023 5:26am
walent215 wrote:
I can’t count or remember all the cylinders I’ve used red or green scotchbrite on….. with wd40   Then  suspension clean afterwards  then light coat of...

I can’t count or remember all the cylinders I’ve used red or green scotchbrite on….. with wd40

 

Then  suspension clean afterwards 

then light coat of wd 40 until I assemble 

When you guys are using the scotch brite method is there a specific direction you are wiping the cylinder with? Like in an 'X' pattern with the cross hatch? Or does that even matter?

The Shop

walent215
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5/4/2023 6:52am Edited Date/Time 5/4/2023 7:03am
walent215 wrote:
I can’t count or remember all the cylinders I’ve used red or green scotchbrite on….. with wd40   Then  suspension clean afterwards  then light coat of...

I can’t count or remember all the cylinders I’ve used red or green scotchbrite on….. with wd40

 

Then  suspension clean afterwards 

then light coat of wd 40 until I assemble 

jridout12 wrote:
When you guys are using the scotch brite method is there a specific direction you are wiping the cylinder with? Like in an 'X' pattern with...

When you guys are using the scotch brite method is there a specific direction you are wiping the cylinder with? Like in an 'X' pattern with the cross hatch? Or does that even matter?

Yes 

I try to replicate the cross hatch as much as possible but the scotchbrite pad is so light it deglazes more than anything 

you can’t “ do it  wrong “  imo

Even marginal cylinders are made usable with the scotchbrite and correct sized piston 

2
Rider 5280
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Denver Metro, CO US
5/5/2023 12:03am

Guys - why are you not using ball hones?

What are the drawbacks?

5/5/2023 3:28am

i was always led to believe that ball hones are great for nikasil bores, but they can be hard around the port edges on 2 strokes and can chip the plating away, i was advised when i looked in to it to get a precision hone but i just use scotchbrite instead, i'm sure one of the more experienced guys will chime in as to the pros and cons, 

5/5/2023 3:53am Edited Date/Time 5/5/2023 3:55am
2
swordfish
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Somewhere , AB CA
5/5/2023 4:12am
If you really need to hone a plated cylinder and don't want to send it out, use this  Wiseco Nylon Honing Brush | Parts & Accessories...

Friend of mine just recommended that as well. Not cheap but nice piece of kit. 

5/5/2023 9:39am

Yeah, it's not cheap, but I think it's the best way to go. You won't have any concerns with chipping at the port windows, thin spots on the trailing edges, or bore changes like you do with a ball hone. I honestly try to avoid using it, but sometimes..........

If you shop around, you can find them cheaper than that. That was just the easiest place to grab a link. 

5/5/2023 9:52am

The product description says for iron lined bores. Hones are bad because they get into the ports and can chip the plating catch an edge cause it to flake off. 

I did that just using scotchbrite pad on my yz250 cylinder cleaning it. The cylinder had like 200 hrs. Just barely caught the edge and it flaked off a piece around an intake port. That was just by hand. 

FGR01
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Fantasy
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5/5/2023 1:19pm
The product description says for iron lined bores. Hones are bad because they get into the ports and can chip the plating catch an edge cause...

The product description says for iron lined bores. Hones are bad because they get into the ports and can chip the plating catch an edge cause it to flake off. 

I did that just using scotchbrite pad on my yz250 cylinder cleaning it. The cylinder had like 200 hrs. Just barely caught the edge and it flaked off a piece around an intake port. That was just by hand. 

If I flaked the plating at a port edge by hand, I'd be glad that happened.  If it was that loose/sensitive what were it chances going to be in a running engine?

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