What is a piston and what causes it to fail?

A diesel piston is a metal cylinder that moves up and down the engine cylinder through the different stages of the combustion cycle and is connected to the crankshaft of the engine by connecting rods. 

As the piston moves down, it draws air and fuel into the cylinder, and as the piston moves up, the air and fuel are then compressed.

The piston also has an important role in creating an area of low pressure inside the cylinder to counter the higher pressure outside the cylinder. 

Since the piston forms the lower part of the combustion chamber in a diesel engine, it also has the effect of absorbing the heat generated by combustion, conducting it away from the metal temperature and keeping it within a safe range.

What causes engine piston parts to fail?

Common causes of piston damage:

01）Piston burnout

Once the top of the engine is removed, the burned piston is immediately visible. You should be able to recognize obvious signs of melting and sometimes a burning hole in the piston. Burning diesel pistons are usually caused by the use of dirty fuel injectors.

02）Piston rupture

Causes of piston rupture may include continued use of inferior fuel. Alternatively, the piston rupture may be the result of a faulty exhaust recirculation system.

03）Snapped Timing Belt

The timing belt plays a key role because it keeps the piston and valve movements at a perfect alternate time. Once the belt breaks, it can cause a collision between the two, which can lead to further damage. 

To prevent the timing belt from breaking, be sure to replace the belt according to the automaker's instructions.

Specific causes of piston damage:

01）Diesel piston ring wear

Worn diesel piston rings are a very common cause of piston damage, as the diesel piston rings surrounding the piston act as a buffer between the combustion chamber and the crankcase, surrounding the crankshaft. The diesel ring transfers heat to the cylinder wall and regulates the oil temperature.

If you notice white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, low acceleration power, overall power loss, and a significant drop in engine oil level, these are the main signs of diesel piston ring wear.

02）Piston skirt damaged The piston skirt is damaged

The main cause is rubble passing through the air filtration system. This causes the piston in the cylinder to wobble and wear down the skirt, thinning and weakening the skirt and eventually causing the piston to break.

03）The piston suddenly sounded

If your car starts to rattle or knock and persists as the car warms up, it may mean a large gap between the piston and the cylinder wall.

How to prevent diesel piston damage and failure?

To prevent piston damage and failure, whether for diesel piston rings or other specific engine piston parts, make sure you use the correct engine oil and make sure you change the oil and filter at the manufacturer's recommended intervals.

You should also make sure that the engine coolant is in good condition, which you can check by opening the radiator cap, or you can look at the water in the coolant reservoir.

If you have the same problem with your engine, please contact us immediately and provide your engine number so that we can solve your problem.

Our 1D company is a professional manufacturer of Piston, if you need, please contact us.

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