Some background on the BMW M60 V8 Nikasil alloy engine block problem courtesy of Koala Motorsports

Nikasil BMW M60 V8 engine block info

So if there were to be a suggestion out there on a serviceable set of cylinders would you hone with the “grape “style and use the paste or just one or the other?

I would suspect the results to be the same with either hone. We need to finish the experiment and hone and analyze a cylinder with a grape style hone just like was done with the paste.

So, I guess PBH never got an alusil from Jerry and sent it to the old-timer, then to Rondinone to have Rondinone measure and EM it? I know, lots of work and lots of links in the chain, but it would be cool to see.

No one ever sent me anything. I am still willing to cough up the $15 or whatever if anyone wants to send me a cylinder and someone will measure it.... There isn't even a first link in this chain:)

I have a spare used one for the experiment. PM me an address and I will send it out. Thanks for doing this!

I guess to be very consistent it should be one from Jerry st. germaine's set that rondinone used, but that set was pitted and such a wreck I wouldn't think of actually re-ringing them, so maybe it would be better to use a half-decent one like mike presumably has.

Have you guys read Henry Schmidt findings in this thread. Just thought I'd add the link since his data and testing is important to this thread.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/911-engine-rebuilding-forum/163663-do-i-need-hone.html

Simon, it's very good info but Henry tested Nikasil cylinders, not Alusil. Still worth linking to, no doubt.

Can someone measure one if I get it prepared?

I can do the measurements. If you don't mind destroying the cylinder we can take a look with the electron microscope. Otherwise we'll have to settle for a profilometer measurement, which will accurately profile the cylinder wall. Galling will be evident either way, microscopy is easier to interpret.

I'll PM Mike 95925 and see if he can mail it to me....

My cylinder arrived from Mike95125 today!! Now I feel like a bit of an idiot, shouldn't it be measured before and after 'honing'? I was thinking that he could hone just the bottom 1/2, but that really won't work, since the upper 1/2 should be worn as much.

Rondinone, any suggestions? Should I send it to you for pre-inspection?

Anybody see the post on the carbon pistons?
I don't know the technology, but it might be an option for those with worn cylinders to go oversized.

If we extend the life of what we have maybe some day there will be a solution so we can keep the alusil cylinders!

My only concern is that carbon pistons won't transfer heat. Since air cooled cars use the oil to draw away heat via the pistons, that heat most likely will get soaked by the heads and cylinders only. It doesn't sound healthy for the motor. I can definitely see the advantage with water cooled cars.

You can send it to me, I'll profile what I can and return it to you. PM me for my address. Thanks,

OK I finally measured the compression. 6k miles post rebuild with the AN-30 treatment, all cylinders between 150 and 155 warm. That's almost exactly what it was before the rebuild.

Rondinone: It's still underway, just too busy at work....

good job keeping this moving forward, guys!

that's fine. Get it to me when you have time. Thanks,