Topic: time to replace rings?

[setdog]

Motor is a 74 cb759, with 24k miles, its already apart, and I measured the piston ring gap
With the top ring in the cylinder at the skirt.  Measured .559mm.  Service limit according to manual
Is .7mm.

My understanding is that I need to hone cylinders, found a shop quote for $100.
The cross hatch is either gone or not showing.

So plan is to hone, and replace rings, circlips, and gaskets. 

Bores measure within spec, pistons within spec, only thing that looks questionable is the
Cylinder walls look smooth as glass. 

Just wanted to confirm its a good decision to replace rings and hone, for some cross hatch and break glaze.

[edwardmorris]

I'm no expert on clearances, but if you already have it apart, you could hone them yourself for a fraction of the cost...just my 2 cents....

[setdog]

Yes I could, but paying for an excellent job has its merits.

[martin99]

My understanding is that honing is done to create a crosshatch, the purpose.being to enable oil retention in the bores whilst new components are bedding in. It is normal for the cross hatch to disappear once the engine is run in.

So if you are replacing rings honing would be recommended. However if you are using the old ones (and why not if the measurements are all within spec) honing shouldn't be necessary.

Might have opened up a can of worms here. Try searching 'honing' for a bunch of different opinions on the subject.

[reddyvv]

Not sure what you mean by "confer at the skirt" but you should measure a little ways down from the top. Check your manual for the exact details.

Rings are cheap. You might as well put in a new set, you'll likely get a tighter fit. Hone the bores yourself with a drill and a free loaner hone from an auto parts store, measure the ring gaps and put it back together.

[flybox1]

My honing cost me $20 (220grit stones) and about 30 seconds each cylinder 
I went back later and made the crosshatch steeper with a few more passes/slower rotation.