Honing S4s cyclinder liners

[davevr6car]

Hi all, I'm starting to put my S4s engine back together are spinning a main bearing. While I had the engine apart I've decided to replace the piston rings as well. The question is hone the liners, in order to give the new rings a better chance of bedding in. Cheers Dave

[lotus4s]

Being nikasil coated, the only way to hone them is with a diamond hone. A standard hone won't do much...

[andydclements]

I'd suspect with the lining as hard as it is, you should still be able to see the hone marks in it from when they were made. I could on my TE when I last stripped it out.

[Vulcan Grey]

My advice is not to touch them unless they absolutely positively need replating. Don't hone, don't have them replated with Nikasil "just because".

I had mine replated "while i had the engine apart", and they were ruined. Had to buy all new pistons and liners from Lotus.

[CHANGES]

I  agree with Travis , if its not broken don't fix it..... 

The main issue with these liners is on the upper rim where the top

ring stops at TDC. Over time this creates a dent in the liner body which

distorts the Nikasil then wears through.  This eventually de-laminates and the engine will go

south in a matter of miles with no warning.. I think that is the area to concentrate

 your attention on, if its getting desperate you will see a change in the appearance at the dent,

it goes a different shade of grey when very very thin.. Its not that difficult to spot, but as always

if unsure buy new...

South West have sets of pistons and liners in stock..

[davevr6car]

Thanks for the info, I can still see the original honing marks and there is no evidence of lipping towards the top of the liner where the top ring would stop when at TDC. So Travis and Dave, do you reckon I just install my new piston rings on my original pistons and reasemble? I was thinking of getting my piston crowns ceramic coated. whats your opinion on this. Cheers for your help. Dave

[CHANGES]

Yes if the liner is fine just reassemble with new rings... Has the std chrome come off your piston crowns ?

if not I would leave as is....  

[davevr6car]

Hi Dave, I will get a few photos and post them on here.