Cylinder honing tips

[bugnut68]

I was reading an article in Hot VWs about rebuilding used cylinders and pistons... does anybody have any further advice on how to properly hone the cylinders?  The article, as have others I've read, mention a 45 degree cross-hatch pattern, but I just want to know what to look for.  Also, how to tell if cylinders truly need to be honed?  Anytime you install new rings, or does it matter?  Thanks!

[Bruce]

... how to tell if cylinders truly need to be honed?  Anytime you install new rings, or does it matter? 

Anytime you install new rings, you MUST hone the cylinders.
They need honing if you plan on using new rings, and they've got more than break-in miles on them.

[besserwisser]

If the cylinders are old and have a lot of miles on them they are usually out of round so even if you hone the cylinders the new rings will take a long time to seal. If youre rings are so worn that they you need new ones you probably also need new cylinders. Measure the ringgap to make sure youre rings are worn out. 0.75 to 0.90 mm and they are done. If youre cylinders have a ridge at the top that you can feel with youre finger chanses are youre new topring will break real soon. If you use cylinders that have a ridge at the top the cure is to put a thin schim under the cylinder and flycut the head to get the compression upp again. The best thing is to buy new cylinders and stop worrying about honing and ringgap.