Kohler K341 (16hp) cylinder honing

Jack345

Member
Getting ready to install new rings (cast iron) in a block that shows no wear/ or ring ridge at top of bore. Is it required to hone the cylinder? I've read that honing not required if cast iron rings are used and can cause more harm than good.
Any input would be great. Here's rather long posting about not honing a good cylinder. Thanks

http://www.snowvalley.20m.com/bikes/dnthone.htm
 
And I say be careful about what you read and believe on the internet,, unless I post it of course, LOL.
Would you not guess that the people who make the rings would want to give them the best shot at working well? Here is what Hastings says about honing.
Now get that that hone out and hone that cylinder! And when your done CLEAN it properly which is not a quick wipe with a shop rag. I was taught to wash the bores with hot soapy water and a stiff bristle brush. When you can oil the bore and wipe it with a white rag and it doesnt turn the rag grey you have it clean.
Hastings on honing
 
If a ridge at the top is detectable, I'd ridge ream, and hone. Try to get a good cross hatch pattern, to break the glaze.
 
I have always honed the cylinder and been pretty satisfied with the results. So far I have put new rings in 6 or seven K-series Kohlers, among several other types of engines.

That said, I understand from their service manuals that there are certain Kohler engines that Kohler does not recommend honing the cylinders when installing rings. Certain of the Command series Kohlers had what they call "hard Bore" (or some such)cylinders and they do not recommend honing them before installing new rings.

Although the manual does not say, I would guess that honing a hard cylinder liner may produce a surface that either quickly wears out the rings or that never wears to match the rings. Either way it would result in an engine that consumes excessive amounts of oil.
 
t.r.k., that's interesting. A harden bore could be tenths may be thousandths thick, and yes if honed just may break through that harden surface. Just to be on the safe side I would dial bore the ID of the cylinder and see what readings there are. If it were in tenths I wouldn't touch it.
Bob
 
yes, it is a Cobalt? I think, I have seen Command engines with 2500 hours and no wear.In fact those cylinders have so little wear that Kohler does not show any OS pistons on a CH25 engine.
 

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