1D auto parts piston display

As a component of combustion engines, the piston converts the energy released during combustion into a mechanical action and transfers it to the crankshaft in the form of a torsional force via the piston pin and the connecting rod.

How does the piston work?

When the engine is running, the piston moves up and down in the cylinder. When the piston reaches the turning point, it slows down and then accelerates again suddenly. This produces inertia forces that act on the piston. When considered together with the forces generated by the gas pressure, this forms the piston force, which is transferred to the connecting rod and crankshaft. Connecting rods are only perfectly vertical at the upper and lower turning points. The angle of the connecting rod presses the piston against the side of the cylinder wall. The amount and direction of this force constantly change during the combustion cycle, as they depend on the piston force and the angle between the piston crown and connecting rod axis. Pistons are equipped with piston rings. They seal the combustion and working chamber in relation to the crankcase. They also remove the oil from the cylinder walls, thus controlling the oil consumption. Piston rings also discharge the heat absorbed by the piston during combustion to the cooled running surface of the cylinder liner.

How to Prevent Diesel Piston Damage and Failure?

Piston damage can be very expensive due to the intensive labour involved to ensure the engine piston parts are fixed. This cost is usually high as the entire engine has to be taken apart for any issue to be resolved. 

To prevent piston damage and failure, whether that’s diesel piston rings or other specific engine piston parts, ensure you are using the correct engine oil and that the oil and filter are changed at the recommended intervals by the manufacturer. You should also make sure the engine coolant is in good condition, which you can check by opening the radiator cap, or you can take a look at the water in the coolant reservoir.

It’s important to remember that diesel pistons are part of the overall engine and all diesel engines are different. Unfortunately, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution for anyone experiencing a diesel engine problem or an issue with their diesel rings. It’s also imperative to determine the cause of the problem and address this, before simply replacing damaged parts and re-assembling the engine.