Hone a lifter bore?

[Bonnewagon]

Anyone try this? We have a block that two new solid lifters are too tight. One got stuck. They work fine switched around to other bores. What is best- a three fingered stone hone or a flex ball hone? I know the clearance is only a few ten thousandths so we don't want to over-do it.

 

[Bonnewagon]

 

[pontiacgp]

I have never honed that. I have made sure that all the varnish that may have accumulated is removed but I just use diesel fuel and a rag for that

 

[ssn696]

Did you check for a lip or defect? Sometimes the right tool for the job is a competent machine shop...especially if that is not a small-block Chevy...

 

[Bonnewagon]

It is a small block. I "think" it was at a shop- S&K on Wrong Island. I read that the heating/cleaning process and shot peening can cause a sharp lip at the top and bottom of the bore. I also read the hard-to-find bore diameter is .8427- .8437" so a .842" Chevy lifter is using only a few ten thousandths clearance.

 

[JAMCAR223]

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You are correct on the process causing a lip on the top/bottom of the bore. You are also correct on the "few ten thousandths". Check the bore for a "lip" with a 90 degree pic. If no lip, and you just need to remove some varnish, use this ^^^. Use caution, as you don't want to remove too much material, to cause a loss of oil pressure. Be sure to CLEAN, CLEAN after. If there is a pronounced lip ( from the cleaning process or wear ), you may want to consider a trip to the machine shop.

 

[Bonnewagon]

you may want to consider a trip to the machine shop.

That is the whole rub. He wanted to borrow my hoist so he could take it back to S&K. Then he got mad at that idea and asked about the hone. I felt it was better to measure and see what he had but he is a stubborn old school guy that has no patience for micrometers and the like. Hence the solid lifters. I am assuming it got cleaned so there should be no varnish or crud anywhere but who knows? I am on my way now to talk to him and see what exactly is going on. Stay tuned.

 

[Olds G's]

I used a ball hone on my 307 lifter bores. Just a few swipes is all it took to clean up anything that wouldn't wipe off with MEK or acetone. Cleaned and cleaned and cleaned again before reassembly. Worked fine.

 

[Malihoochie-]

Another vote for the ball hone. It is made for that purpose...the 3 stone thing can be used in a pinch - but is really made for a brake cylinder.

 

[lilbowtie]

Hone works - makes micro grooves to aid oiling