Done Honing. Do I Need New Rings?

[BLSBRKR65]

I just had my '94 XR650L Cylinder honed while i'm refurbishing the top end. The cylinder is now cross hatched and clean as a whistle. The current rings are well within spec. Do you need to install new piston rings everytime you get a hone? Thanks!

[Beyond The Pale]

When you say "in spec" do you mean the ring end gap? If that end gap is in spec there is no reason for new rings.

If the rings end gap was in spec there was no reason to hone the cylinder in the first place. The only reason to hone is because you are installing new rings. Now the rings have to seat again and it is not a 100% reliable process.

[BLSBRKR65]

The reason i had it honed was because there were rust stains and fine scratches in the cylinder. The ring end gap spec was right on prior to the honing. Is it a must to replace the rings after a honing job? Thanks!

[zrxer]

I would replace the rings. You are at that point anyway and it would be best to not risk the old rings not seating properly in the new hone. Also, it would be cheaper for new rings now rather than having to pull the top end apart again.?

[Trogdor]

I just had my '94 XR650L Cylinder honed while i'm refurbishing the top end. The cylinder is now cross hatched and clean as a whistle. The current rings are well within spec. Do you need to install new piston rings everytime you get a hone? Thanks!

Yes you do. It would be just like putting new rings in with out breaking the glaze/honing the cyl. Your old rings have "taken a set" to the wear/break-in pattern your cyl. had before honing.

[creeky]

Another vote for new rings.

[NorthVanRider]

you've gone this far into it, I'd definitely replace em

[martinfan30]

absolutely replace the rings if you've honed it to a nice finish. dont try to re-break in the old rings. you will probably burn oil.

[beezerjoe]

Speaking as a professional mechanic technically anytime you remove the cylinder you should replace the rings. That being said I have run the same old rings in the old bore as long as I didn't hone it as long as their wasn't a previous smoking or blow by problem and I have had pretty good luck doing so. Since your's has been honed there is no question put new rings in it.?

[zackary]

Old rings won't seal well. you must put new rings in if you honed it. Clean the piston surface well while its out as well. General rule is -once top end apart, new rings are essential. If I were hard on the bike (a lot of high rpm use) I'd put a new piston, wrist pin and clips in as well..way better safe than sorry.