Ask The Editors: 2-Stroke Cylinder Options

You aren’t the first and you won’t be the last.

Actually, no. Repairing the cylinder is an option as well but with the caveat that, depending on how badly the walls are damaged, it could be a bit pricey.

The first line of repair is a resleeve – which, as the name suggests, retains the OEM top end but fits a new cylinder lining into place.

We’re not sure where you are located physically but would recommend checking in with LA Sleeve for options here. Official site. Two-stroke cylinders receive a newly installed sleeve, all of the ports matched, blended and chamfered. The sleeved cylinder is bored and honed to fit the piston. The top deck is surfaced to be as new. You send them your cylinder or cylinder block along with instructions. Their sleeving department will install a new sleeve or multiple sleeves into your cylinder and return it ready to install and run.

These days there are also some very reputable replating services popping up. A repair typically involves welding new material over the damage then boring and honing it to factory spec while replating (or in the case of a cylinder that didn’t come coated originally), application of NikaSeal for increased durability.

Again, each order is specific based on severity of the damage, size of the engine and so on, repair is often your most affordable option. Pennsylvania’s PowerSeal USA, for example, will strip, plate and hone a single cylinder like yours for $269 total. Add $75 if your damage is bad enough to require welding prior to replating. They only need four weeks total too.

And, yes, if all other options fail, you can always keep an eye on eBay and cycle salvage sites in the hopes of finding a used OEM head in better shape than yours.

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