[AMX guy]

It is logical to assume if a sleeve needs a step on the bottom to hold it it would need a solid stop on the top. it is illogical to assume someone who has never worked with or installed a dry sleeve would know it does not need it.

Given the fact I was told by a well known Pontiac engine builder a sleeve would crack the head it would have been illogical for me to not ask the question.

[gtofreek]

Originally Posted by AMX guy

It is logical to assume if a sleeve needs a step on the bottom to hold it it would need a solid stop on the top. it is illogical to assume someone who has never worked with or installed a dry sleeve would know it does not need it.

Given the fact I was told by a well known Pontiac engine builder a sleeve would crack the head it would have been illogical for me to not ask the question.

If you have a step at the bottom, which it should have unless the sleeve is a stepped sleeve, you do not want a step at the top also. Trying to get the distance on that exact to make a perfect seal is not going to happen. With a stepped sleeve, you have a step at the top with no step at the bottom. These type of sleeves go in with less interference, and should not be used in cracked cylinders or cylinders with a breach into the cooling system.

[hurryinhoosier62]

Originally Posted by gtofreek

If you have a step at the bottom, which it should have unless the sleeve is a stepped sleeve, you do not want a step at the top also. Trying to get the distance on that exact to make a perfect seal is not going to happen. With a stepped sleeve, you have a step at the top with no step at the bottom. These type of sleeves go in with less interference, and should not be used in cracked cylinders or cylinders with a breach into the cooling system.

Precisely. All the stepped sleeves I’m familiar with are similar to the Darton interlocking sleeves.

[hurryinhoosier62]

Originally Posted by AMX guy

It is logical to assume if a sleeve needs a step on the bottom to hold it it would need a solid stop on the top. it is illogical to assume someone who has never worked with or installed a dry sleeve would know it does not need it.

Given the fact I was told by a well known Pontiac engine builder a sleeve would crack the head it would have been illogical for me to not ask the question.

First, I owe you an apology for being way too gruff. The step at the bottom of cylinder does NOT “hold” the sleeve. The step acts as a stop and helps support the bottom of the sleeve. It keeps a machinist from driving the sleeve too deep into the bore. Press fit is what actually holds the sleeve in place. Some have said .001-.0015, others up .006. My preference is .003-.004 press. I can’t explain why this “noted” Pontiac builder would say the sleeves crack heads unless the sleeves he had installed lacked proper press and actually moved. In my experience, once a sleeve is properly installed only two things will remove it: heat (as in 750 degrees F) and cutting the sleeve out with a boring machine.