Will grinding the first 3" of the trim cylinder piston rods hurt anything?
 

I just noticed that someone took a grinder to piston rods of each trim cylinder. It appears to me it was done when the unit was cleaned and I'm pretty sure they were not like that when I left the boat. I am concerned this may wear the o-rings in the end cap. It only the last 3" so it looks like the wear would only happen as the unit goes in and out of trailer mode.

Should I be concerned?

You will have to see if it hits the seal in the head of the clyinder.If it does it will rip it up. If it was me I would change them. Not only that they took the plating off the rod and it will rust.

I'd consider replacing them too. They'll just end up going bad and could possibly cause more damage.

I'm confused as to why someone would take a grinder to the pistons?????? What were they trying to accomplish? If they were trying to clean them up, why not just use some metal polish or a scotch-brite pad.

Sheesh...a grinder, some people should not be allowed to use power tools. It's like doing finish carpentry with a 20lb sledge....

Yes the grinder was used as a cleaner for a reason unknown to me. However, I did validate that other then a very small area on port rod, where it looks like the grinder slipped, the impacted area will not enter the cylinder. This small area doesn't seem like it would go much past the rods scrapper (I found a diagram online) so I opted to see if it would clean up. I hit it with 120 emery cloth and then some 400 and it looks pretty good if I do say so myself. I'm going to play with it some more and if it doesn't work out I'll be replacing the port side next week.


Thanks for all the feedback

as long as the rods are smooth and donhave any burs it should be ok. Any pictures? You may need to sand down and polish yourself.

If it does not hit the wiper I would put some paint on it so it will not rust. Good luck