303 SS Galling Problems
303 SS Galling Problems
(OP)
I am having problems with a slight galling issue with a 303 SS body with a 12L14 heat treated piston. The fit is very tight but it is lubricated. The piston will cycle for a while then it will begin to wear into the 303 SS and then start galling. What can I do to solve this? I would rather change the piston material or possibly coat the piston than change the 303 SS body material. Any ideas?





RE: 303 SS Galling Problems
The surface finish is probably the first question. Also if the fit is tight, how is the tolerance controlled?
Is the 303 SS I.D. finished with a reamer or something better? An engine cylinder has a honed finish. Perhaps a roller burnished I.D. is better for your application. The piston finish could be evaluated also. There were some articles describing surface finish left after rigid honing tools versus the flexible honing carbide 'brush' tools of Engineered brush co. when applied to both I.D. and O.D. of wear surfaces. Their findings supported use of a micro texture controlled finish with cross helical pattern for lubricant distribution on the wear surfaces.
Is a change of lubricant possible? Is the lubricant picking up any contaminants? What is maintaining the supply of lubricant, or is it being diluted or breaking down from heat? Or maybe it is high moly grease, or even a dry film lube?
RE: 303 SS Galling Problems
RE: 303 SS Galling Problems
Roller burnish is a great idea. It will harden the surface and assure that there are no peaks in the surface texture. I would also suggest that you look at coating the 303 with a dry film lube such as tungsten disulfide.
SS has such poor wear properties I am surprised that you only have some problems.
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Plymouth Tube
RE: 303 SS Galling Problems
RE: 303 SS Galling Problems
RE: 303 SS Galling Problems
RE: 303 SS Galling Problems
I would Liquid Nitride the 303 SS part in lieu of ion nitriding. After liquid nitriding 303 SS is one of the best wear and galling resistant materials around.
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