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MG TD TF 1500 - Ridge Reamer 101

My ring replacement project is still ongoing. I want to take a moment to thank Bug Krueger and Jim Benjamin for the use of their tools (and e-Bay where I bought 3 vintage tools for a total of $23).
Jim's reamer (far left)has a nice spring loaded cutting tool but unfortunately the blade arm is too large for the cylinder of an XPAG engine.
The three I got from e-Bay all work to some degree.
The one I got from Bud (far right)works the best by far.
It also came in a box with directions.
Now Bud, being the gentleman that he is, told me he hasn't used the tool in 15 years and suggested I keep it rather than send it back.
Rather than becoming the new owner I proclaim myself as the temporary keeper of the reamer. Anyone who should find a need for it just send me a label and I will ship it to you. Then you will be the keeper till someone else needs it.
I love this Forum.
Mort

Mort Resnicoff 50 TD (Mobius)

Reamer in action.

Mort Resnicoff 50 TD (Mobius)

BTW, Mort, Congratulations on your perfect Safety Fast inspection. Rick Smith is stingy with them. Bud
Bud Krueger

Mort,
We have one in the "family" just like the one on the far right, and I just tore our 1466cc XPAG down last week for a rebuild. It belonged to my grandfather and it is probably still in my dad's garage. Unfortunately is was moved from where those engine tools were stored. My dad is 92 and can't quite remember where he put them. I didn't find the flathead valve spring compressor a few decades ago when last looking. My brother may have borrowed those tools but he we killed in a work accident.
It'd be easier for me to go on ebay and procure one than to search pappy's garage. ...or use an adjustable hone (not spring loaded) to clean up the ridge.
I'll email you and hope there isn't a long waiting list!
JIM
JRN JIM

Mort, +2 for the "Safety Fast" I've gotten one point deductions four times now.
How thick was your ridge? Did you end up buying new pistons? That thing is going to run like a Swiss watch.
Looks good!
-David
D. Sander

I hope this is not a stupid question but I could use some background information on cylinder walls and top ridges. It seems to me that if there is a notable ridge at the top where the rings do not reach that means the rest of the cylinder bore has worn somewhat over size. If so, can one simply rering the pistons that came out or use new pistons and rings of the same size? Will they seal properly or will there be excessive oil consumption?
John Quilter (TD8986)

John,
The ridge is not from wear, but a hard, nasty carbon buildup from combustion that the rings can't scrub away.

If it isn't removed:
the piston won't come up & out without a lot of force;
the hone can't travel correctly;
the rings slide in worth a darn and can break.

JRN JIM

Bud, That was my first experience with a Safety Fast Inspection. I watched Rick Smith and David Sander inspect many cars that day and I was extremely impressed with their attention to detail, vast knowledge of the most esoteric parts of our cars and their willingness to contribute their time and knowledge to the benefit of us all. I saw them point out many potential dangers to very grateful owners.

Jim, You are first on the list. I await your e-mail.

John, In addition to what Jim has mentioned above, I've been told that without removing the ridge there is a danger of breaking a new ring on first start-up if the ring comes in contact with the ridge. I was naturally hesitant at first but it is not a difficult job at all.

BTW.... The middle three tools are available to anyone who wants to use them.

Mort
Mort Resnicoff 50 TD (Mobius)

This thread was discussed between 30/12/2013 and 31/12/2013

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