are these cylinders useable?

[haycait911]

for a 2.4 E engine. I picked up 3 to replace 3 that were water damaged. the originals are clean and straight. the used replacements have a definite ridge about 1/4 inch down from the top. I understand why it's there. it's quite pronounced, enough that I can catch a fingernail on it. my understanding is that this ridge can lead to broken rings. any thoughts? OK to use? thanks, Don.

[Canuck_Targa]

Looks like someone has run a bottlebrush hone through them to clean them up, with enough wear to leave a ring step, the cross hatch pattern would be gone, there is a couple scratches that look more than surface scratches. Have you measured them to see where they are at as far as diameter?

[haycait911]

they're Ok for diameter. I think the step is caused when the rings stop on the upstroke.

[Canuck_Targa]

Correct, the step is from the piston ring but if the step is that pronounced the clearances must be getting close to being out of tolerance. The only way you can get the crosshatch pattern over the step is with a bottlebrush or flex hone.
I would have an engine builder give their opinion.

[Rob B]

Ideally they should be replaced but, they can be reused if you are really that broke. The ridge needs to be removed, buy or borrow a tool called a ridge reamer. It will cut the step flush with the worn cylinder which will prevent ring or ring land damage. Hone the cylinders again and reassemble. Be aware that the ring to cylinder seal will be less than ideal. Expect to loose some compression and burn more oil than with new cylinders. Rob