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We ship and receive Cylinders daily, and we do an initial inspection during receiving of new cylinders received for repair or overhaul.
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The cylinder is completely stripped of all components, including valves, springs, rockers, and pistons. Parts are chemically degreased in hot solvent solutions and sometimes media-blasted to remove carbon deposits and stubborn debris.
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Technicians perform dimensional checks to ensure all parts meet required tolerances. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)—such as Magnetic Particle Inspection for steel parts (crankshafts, rods) and Dye Penetrant Inspection for aluminum heads—is used to identify microscopic cracks or fatigue.
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Cylinder Barrel: The bore is measured and, if within limits, honed to a specific cross-hatch pattern to allow new piston rings to seat. If worn, it may be oversized or plated (e.g., chrome or Cermi-Nil).
Cylinder Head: Valve seats are ground, and valve guides are often replaced to ensure a perfect seal.
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In a true overhaul (as opposed to a simple repair), certain parts are always replaced regardless of condition, including piston rings, seals, and gaskets. High-quality overhauls also replace exhaust valves, springs, and keepers.
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The cylinder is reassembled with new or refurbished parts, ensuring all clearances (such as ring gaps and valve stem-to-guide clearance) are within manufacturer specifications
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Once installed on the engine, the cylinders must undergo a strict break-in procedure. This typically involves:
Using straight mineral oil (non-dispersant) for the first 25–50 hours.
Running the engine at high power settings (65–75%) to create enough pressure to seat the piston rings against the cylinder walls.
Avoiding prolonged ground runs to prevent "glazing," which can stop the break-in process and lead to high oil consumption.
Our Process
Overhaul vs. Repair
Overhaul: A comprehensive restoration where a standard list of parts (like exhaust valves) is replaced by default to meet "new" or "service" limits.
Repair (or "Top Overhaul"): Only addresses specific issues (e.g., a stuck valve) and reuses parts that are still within service limits