Piston and Cylinder Reconditioning
 

Hi Guys,

I am looking for someone to do reconditioning on my 2.0L Mahle pistons, cylinders, and rods. Who do you recommend?

Thanks,
Rob

EBS can handle the cylinder issue, but don't know about piston reconditioning. Generally they don't need it, but depends on how they measure. To recondition a piston, it would have to be taper machined on the outside, the ring lands would have to be dealt with which might require custom rings. Never tried that. Unless the piston is really way off spec, wouldn't bother them. Bob

Quite a while ago (before I had gray hair) auto machine shops would "resize" pistons by making a raised pattern on the piston skirts. I think it was called Knurlizing. Also common was machining worn ring groves for spacers to bring ring grooves back to specs. I don't think any of this stuff is commonly done anymore. When piston are worn beyond manufacturers' wear limits, they are replaced.

2.0L barrels can be honed if they're in decent condition. For the pistons, if the ring grooves are not worn, I understand it is possible to coat the piston skirts to slightly oversize them. Another option is buy some JE or CP pistons to go with your honed or bored cylinders.

When it comes to these air cooled motors, there really isn't any way to "recondition" the pistons and cylinders. Outside of deglazing the cylinder IF it is in spec.

If the pistons are in spec they can be re-used. If the cylinders are in spec they can be reused with a light hone.

Problem is, those iron cylinders will most likely be worn to or past the wear limit. That means replacement or boring to a larger size, which will require new pistons.

Any competent Porsche repair shop can tell you if your P&C are good.