questions

[OldRedFord]

I need to ream the cylinders. Whats the best ridge reamer to buy/rent? If I buy one....under $120.



Also should I get a flex hone or a 3 stone one?

[1971ford]

i say flex hone but what do i know
for the ridges i used a scuffy pad and knocked them all down. there might be a microscopic difference, but im fine with it.

[AlleyCat]

If you don't plan on doing engine work on a steady basis then I'd suggest you rent a ridge reamer. There isn't a big call for them these days as most shops use reman crate engines. As far as hones go the ball or flex style hones do a better job in less time than the 3 stone version. The down side to them is you're pretty limited in size range. Different bore sizes require different size hones. With the old 3 stone versions one hone will cover a pretty broad range of bore sizes.

[OldRedFord]

i say flex hone but what do i know
for the ridges i used a scuffy pad and knocked them all down. there might be a microscopic difference, but im fine with it.

Is that a ok way to get rid of the ridge?

[AlleyCat]

If you can knock them down with a scuff pad you don't need a ridge reamer. The scuff pad will cut carbon buildup. A wear ridge in the bore metal would require countless hours and scuff pads to remove.

[Thunderfoot]

Another trick for the carbon build up is to use Lacquer Thinner or Carb cleaner on it with the scuff pad, it dissolves/loosens it up.

[OldRedFord]

Removed the other cylinder head and found one cylinder messed up. Think honing wont fix this?

[1971ford]

wow, looks like that piston hasnt fired for a long time!

if that was mine i would want that bored out. that looks NASTY.

but it could be the pic, can you try getting a scuff pad and just try to clean up a little section to see if its really bad? is it just surface stuff?

[OldRedFord]

I was able to get alot of the rust off with some heavy scrubbing with a old toothbrush and purple power, and lacquer thinner.

Where it is now.