07/10/2026
Honing the cylinders before installing new piston rings is very important because the new rings need a proper surface to bed/seal against.
What the honing does
Creates a cross-hatch pattern
Honing leaves fine diagonal scratches, usually around 30–45°.
These scratches hold a small amount of engine oil.
The rings use this oil film for lubrication during running-in.
Helps the new rings seat properly
New rings are not perfectly matched to the old cylinder surface.
The fresh cross-hatch gives the rings something to wear into so they conform to the cylinder.
Improves compression
Properly seated rings seal combustion pressure inside the cylinder.
Without good seating, you can get blow-by, low compression and poor starting.
Controls oil consumption
A correctly honed surface helps the oil-control ring remove excess oil from the cylinder.
Poor honing can contribute to smoking and high oil consumption.
Removes the polished/glazed surface
An old cylinder can become shiny and smooth ("glazed").
New rings may struggle to bed against that surface, even if the bore measurement is still within specification. Mechanics Reels Mechanic Tips Mechanics advice and more Mechanical Technician 081 552 2684 🚗 Mechanics🔧and Electricity 🛠🦴🚗✔️ Pemt Motors
