Applications

One of the most often asked questions we get that creates a great level of confusion is: “Do I need to use oil?”. Trying to search the internet for a solid answer brings up nothing of great use. Some people say you need a constant flow. Some say, just use WD-40. Most, though, simply say, “Good Question.”Well, we’re here to provide the answers.First off, the easy part. Do you need to use oil? Repeat with me: “Yes!”. Why? Because the Flex-hone is made of raw grain abrasive that is laminated to the end of nylon. As the tool is used little bits of that abrasive break off, along with the cast off metal that it is finishing. If you use the tool dry, a couple bad things can happen. You can load up the tool, which greatly decreses its tool life, you can imbed cast off material into the work piece, and you could have people see you doing something silly and laugh at you. Ok, I guess really only two of those are all that important. The point is, yes, please use a lubricant.The next question is a bit more complicated. What kind of lubricant should I use. The best answer is, “A high quality honing oil.” Many honing companies have their own oils and lubricants and many work very well with the Flex-Hone tool. (of course we offer our own Flex-Hone oil that we like to think is the very best blend of oils and wetting agents, so maybe you should skip the rest of this and just order some Flex-Hone oil).What should you NOT ever use? A solvent. Remember that the globules are raw grain that is laminated? Well, using a solvent […]

Cylinder wall deglazing is critical for the proper seating and sealing of new piston rings in car engines. Left unbroken, the “glaze” on highly-polished cylinder walls prevents piston rings from mating with the cylinder bore and providing an adequate seal. In used car engines, glazing is caused by the reciprocating movement of pistons, which polishes cylinder walls to a smooth finish. Glazed cylinder walls also cause friction and lubrication problems since engine oil won’t adhere properly to a mirror-smooth surface.

Cylinder Wall Glaze Breakers for Engine Cylinders

RobertRO of CarDomain knew that he needed to deglaze the cylinder walls of his BMW M30B34 engine, but worried that he might “ruin everything” since he’d never honed an engine block before. Honing, a type of abrasive machining, breaks the glaze on engine cylinders and improves the geometric form of metal surfaces. Since rigid hones such produce uneven or unidirectional grooves that may prevent optimum lubrication, RobertRO choose the Flex-Hone® tool from Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM).

Glaze Breaker Hones from Brush Research

Unlike conventional honing stones, BRM’s flexible honing tool produces a controlled surface condition and a cross-hatched pattern that’s extremely efficient at creating grooves for oil retention. BRM’s glaze breaker hone also “busts” the myth that cylinder honing is a risky business with the engine block on the car and the crankshaft installed. Abrasive honing waste can damage your car’s engine, but only if you let the dust cover the moving parts, and if you fail to clean the engine properly with warm, soapy water.

Engine Block Honing for a Plateaued Cylinder Wall Finish

Before honing the engine block in his BMW 5 series, RobertRO rotated and covered the crankshaft. Working on a “cylinder by cylinder basis”, the amateur engine mechanic then used the Flex-Hone® to produce the necessary plateaued cylinder wall finish.  Comprised of abrasive globules laminated onto the […]