Project The Second Fizzer

Glazing in diesel engines isn't what you're describing though. That is literally a byproduct of the combustion process left on the surface and giving it a golden appearance.

See I disagree with you here. A polished surface is EXACTLY what you want for proper lubrication of moving parts. If the surface is nice and polished and bedded in - the moving part will lubricate well and last a lot longer.

I believe people do it, but very few people understand why. They do it because "it is done".

I think strategies have changed over the years as technologies have changed, materials have evolved into alloys and all that sort of stuff... there are a lot of old wives tales that creep in through 'old school' word of mouth sort of processes that are probably not necessary anymore, and I think if a pedantic Japanese engineer didn't list the process as specifically required in his instructions for an engine overhaul in the late 80's it's likely he didn't think it was necessary. The Japanese hate fixing things, that's true... but when they fix things they do it perfectly and are extremely fussy about it. Just my view though.

All up I'll give it a rub with some sandpaper I suppose, see how it goes.

 

@Andych if you get the chance, head to Japan and spend some time in one of their "wreckers" or repair shops (if they let you). If they are not the most meticulous, pedantic, careful, committed bunch of mechanics you have ever met - I'd be very surprised. I still work with the Japanese in business and they are painful because of how ridiculous they are about everything.

And one more favour... please don't pass your opinion off with comments like "hundreds and thousands of engineers views" as fact to an engineer asking for engineering evidence... opinions are a dime a dozen but those backed up by fact are a lot harder to come by so thanks for your input but I'll just continue to question things until I get what I am looking for.

So getting back to the build... found an old translation I did which came in handy. Interestingly it doesn't mention the ring thickness, ie which should be the top and/or bottom. The chinese set came with a black and a silver ring... will measure the gap to see if I can tell which is which. The top/bottom of the ring isn't marked either so this will be fun.

 

Ah Ok thanks. Mine are from AHL but are only marked "HL". Bit hard to tell which is the rounded/flat side though.

 

Oh and browsing around I found this...



Crux of it is at 4:26. I get that they call it deglazing and what it does but not convinced with his explanation why - and this seems like a class. I suppose I should just shut up about it now because honestly you're probably all sick of reading my rants about it.

For me I'll grab the 400 grit and do what murdo suggested... see what happens.

 

Honing is necessary after a re-bore. Still don't think it's necessary when changing rings provided (1) your bore is round (2) it is within specification and (3) it is in good condition. I sorta get what Murdo was saying about roughening up the bore surface a bit, as it would expedite the wear-in period on the rings - so I'm gonna go with that.

So to be very clear - I'm not saying honing isn't important. I'm saying it is important under certain circumstances. If you watch the video he explains the difference between honing and what he calls "deglazing". The confusing part on all this to me is that "glazing" was an old term attached to diesel engines that left a physical deposit on the bore. The bores in my head do not have that problem so they are not "glazed". They are just a finely polished surface like they would be in a lubricated moving part after they have been worn in with the rings.

So for me, I get the roughness bit when changing rings but i wouldn't call it de glazing and I don't think you need to hone.

Make sense?

 

It's funny because I have a good friend who is a very old school and experienced machinist and he totally agrees with me...

This is the battle, so many opinions... little evidence. But it seems digging for evidence just ends up annoying people as it's way easier to accept what people tell you and just run with it.

Let's see what happens though, I'm prepared to walk the talk and see what happens.

 

Sanded back the base gasket which I will coat with copper gasket cement and re-use. I thought about using gasket paper but decided against it while I had one of these I could use.



All the rings are on... need to wash the rest of the engine in a bit of diesel before reassembly but getting there...

 

Ok, for those who have been annoyed and/or entertained by my various rants on honing: please see summary here.

http://www.2fiftycc.com/index.php?threads/bore-glazing-honing.3720/

 

the summary is final, I'm over it I promise maybe grab a beer when you read it @Phil

 

Just a quick Q, I've emptied 3 cans of degreaser through the bottom end trying to flush out all the dust/grains of sand etc that have accumulated when this was rolling around a shed somewhere but I'm not satisfied I'm getting it all. Don't have an air compressor... so any other ideas what might work? I am tempted to hit the thing with a pressure washer but I can see why that could be a relatively bad idea...