At Jasper Engines & Transmissions, precision machining plays a major role in engine performance and long-term durability. One of the key processes used in the company’s POD 90 production line, where the Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines are remanufactured, is a specialized two-stage honing process known as plateau honing.
Taylor Friend, a JASPER Associate with more than 12 years of experience, explains why this process matters and how it helps deliver reliable performance in heavy-duty diesel applications.
Taylor Friend, a JASPER Associate with more than 12 years of experience, explains why this process matters and how it helps deliver reliable performance in heavy-duty diesel applications.
What Happens Before Honing?
Traditional Honing vs. Two-Stage Plateau Honing
Traditional honing methods often rely on a single-stage hone head with a single grit level throughout the process. While effective at sizing the cylinder, this method can leave rough metal peaks on the cylinder wall. During engine operation, piston rings must wear down these peaks as part of the break-in process, which can contribute to increased friction, accelerated wear, or even premature damage over time. JASPER’s two-stage honing process takes a more advanced approach.
Stage One: Rough Hone
The process begins with rough honing stones. These stones size the cylinders while creating deep valleys in their walls. These valleys are essential for retaining oil, providing the lubrication modern diesel engines need for optimal performance.
Stage Two: Finish Hone
After the rough hone is complete, the honing machine switches to finish stones that smooth the surface peaks and create a “plateau” finish. The result is smoother cylinder wall surfaces that still maintain the deep oil-retention valleys underneath. This combination creates an ideal environment for piston ring performance.
Why Plateau Honing Matters
The finished cylinder surface delivers two important benefits:
- Deep valleys retain the lubrication needed to protect engine components.
- Smooth plateaus reduce friction and ring wear during operation.
Because the piston rings encounter a smoother surface from the start, they can seat more quickly and consistently. Reduced friction also helps minimize overall wear on internal engine components. For heavy-duty diesel applications like the Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines, that added durability can significantly improve engine longevity and long-term reliability.
Built for Long-Term Performance
Processes such as two-stage plateau honing are part of JASPER’s commitment to remanufacturing engines with precision and consistency. By combining advanced CNC machining technology with proven engineering practices, JASPER helps ensure each engine is built to meet the demands of today’s diesel applications. For customers, that means confidence in performance, durability, and the long life expected from a heavy-duty engine.
If you have any questions or need help, feel free to contact our team.
Mon. -Fri.: 7am - 8pm ET Saturday: 8am - 12pm EST
P.O. Box 650
Jasper, IN 47547-0650
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