FAQS

FAQs

What’s the difference between Apticote 2000 and other coatings?

As part of Poeton Industries, Apticote 2000 is subject to the same rigorous testing procedures as the coatings that service the aerospace market. Our processes and process chemistry are strictly maintained to provide a quality finish that delivers superior performance.

Do I need to send a piston with my cylinder?

We don’t necessarily need the piston although it would help us exactly match the bore size. If you’d rather not send the piston, we can hone to a size you indicate or to the manufacturer’s nominal bore size.

Do I need to send the piston rings?

No, we don’t need you to send us the piston rings.

How should I send the part?

Please remove all steel parts, power valves, studs etc before wrapping the cylinder in a protective material and placing it in a strong box. We recommend sending to us by Royal Mail Recorded Delivery.

Can I bring my cylinder to you?

Please send your cylinder to The Tuning Works:

 

The Tuning Works – Unit 13
Reedspire Industrial Units
Commercial Way
Enterprise Park
Sleaford
NG34 8GL

 

Telephone: +44 07483 151 002

 

Email: sales@thetuningworks.com

How long will it take to process my cylinder?

We aim to repair all cylinders within 15 working days. If you need it sooner, enquire about our Cylinder Express fast track service and we’ll you know if we’re able to get this back to you sooner. Our Cylinder Express service is subject to availability, please contact us before ordering.
Please note, we can only confirm lead time once your cylinder has arrived on-site and we have assessed it.

My cylinder is badly damaged, can you weld repair it prior to plating?

Yes we can offer welding services through our partner, The Tuning Works. Please contact them directly on https://www.thetuningworks.co.uk/ or  07483 151002

Do I have to do anything to my cylinder when I get it back?

We hone all cylinders to the manufacturer’s recommendations and for all 2-stroke cylinders we’ll dress the ports and relieve the exhaust bridges. All cylinders have the top face lapped to remove any ‘flash’ of coating and so parts should be ready to fit. However, we always recommend that the engine builder follows manufacturer instructions regarding piston to bore clearances, piston ring end gaps, squish clearances, cylinder head volume and port timing in order to maintain maximum performance.

How many times can my cylinder be replated?

This depends on the previous works that have been carried out. A straight forward re-plate and hone will only remove a small amount of material from the bare casting. But if you have had to undertake weld repairs then there may be some distortion, and therefore more material has to be removed in order to get the cylinder true again. Usually, cylinders can be replated 4-5 times and after that it becomes more difficult (depending on previous repairs), but we’ve seen many cylinders that have had 8 or more replates.

I’ve had my cylinder replated but now there’s some pitting in the coating, is this normal?

Due to their very nature, the pitting is generally in the actual casting as when the original coating is chemically removed any impurities at the cylinder face will also be removed. This will often occur if you’ve had to weld repair the cylinder prior to plating as well. Pitting should not be derogatory to performance, some lower quality castings will even have pitting from new, and the pits are generally viewed as just holding oil. Unless the pitting bridges the piston ring surface, minimum blow by or compression would be lost, and in the case of a 2-stroke engine, if they are lower than the top of the exhaust port, no compression could be lost at all.