There are two important omissions in the literature on bore polishing, firstly there is no evidence of the successful development of a reliable tribo test device to simulate bore polishing and secondly, the mechanism of bore polishing has not been fully defined. The aims of this study were: 1. To establish the principal characteristics of bore polishing In engines. 2. To produce bore polishing in the laboratory. 3. Differentiate between two reference oils in a laboratory tribo test. 4. To understand the mechanism of bore polishing. The principal characteristics of bore polishing have been identified by the examination of Tornado cylinder bores from an engine test. The graphite structure is visible on the surface which has a surface finish of less then 0.125 micro-m in C.L.A. value. The components used in these tests were a grey cast iron piston ring running on a grey cast iron cylinder bore typically used in commercial engines. A reciprocating tribo test was used to distinguish between the two reference oils. The result showed higher friction, wear and a smoother surface with the oil causing bore polishing compared to the other oil which did not produce bore polishing. Adding carbon, taken from the wall of a piston used in an engine test, to the lubricant in the laboratory tribo test produced a phenomenon resembling bore polishing. Comparisons have been made between the tribo test results and service engines and a good correlation has been obtained. Several analytical techniques have been used and the knowledge of bore polishing has been advanced. In particular, it is suggested that a combination of two processes, one mechanical and the other chemical, are associated with bore polishing. Four wear mechanisms were identified during this investigation; abrasion, delamination, corrosion and adhesion.