What is a Diesel Piston and How Do They Work?

A diesel piston is a metal cylinder that travels up and down within the engine cylinder during the combustion cycle and is linked to the engine’s crankshaft by a connecting rod. When a piston goes down, it sucks air into the cylinder, which is subsequently compressed when the piston rises up. This process raises the temperature of air and then the fuel is fed into the cylinder. Exposure of fuel to the compressed gas at high temperature and the ignition associated generates the power delivered by the engine. A piston’s other essential duty is to create a low-pressure zone inside the cylinder, against the greater air pressure outside the cylinder. In a diesel engine, a piston serves as the bottom section of the combustion chamber, collecting heat generated by combustion and directing it away from the metal temperature to keep it within safe limits.

We’ve compiled a list of the most common and specific causes of piston damage so you can spot the problem before it affects the engine.

Common Types Of Piston Damage

1. Burned Piston

The usage of unclean fuel injectors is the most common cause of a burnt piston. Once the top of the engine has been removed, a burnt piston can be seen immediately. Visible evidence of melting, as well as a burned hole in the piston, should be apparent. Overheating or a faulty oil injection jet can also lead to a burned piston.

2. Cracked Piston

Continued usage of low-quality gasoline can lead to cracked pistons. A fractured piston might also be the result of the exhaust gas recirculation system failing. Chip tuning, lack of piston cooling, and a faulty injection nozzle are other possible causes of a cracked piston.

Specific Causes of Piston Damage

1. Worn Diesel Piston Rings

White smoke emerging from the exhaust pipe, limited acceleration power, overall power loss, and a substantial reduction in engine oil level are all symptoms of worn diesel piston rings. Because the seal between the piston and the cylinder is no longer airtight, the oil will seep into the crankcase and the firing chamber, your engine may show these indications of piston ring damage. Because the diesel rings circle around the piston and function as a buffer between the combustion chamber and the crankcase, enclosing the crankshaft, worn diesel piston rings are a typical source of piston damage.

Diesel rings are in charge of transferring heat away from the cylinder wall and controlling oil temperature. Unfortunately, piston rings wear out, and it isn’t much you can do about it. However, if you change them on a regular basis before they wear out, you can help to prevent engine damage.

2. Damage to the Piston Skirt

Rubble entering the air filtration system is the major source of damage to the piston skirt. This can cause the piston to rock within the cylinder, wearing down the skirt, making it thinner and weaker, and finally destroying the piston.

3. Piston Snap

If your automobile begins to create a rattling or banging noise that persists after it has warmed up, it might indicate a significant gap between the piston and the cylinder wall.

How to Prevent Diesel Piston Damage and Failure?

Engine failure is frequently caused by piston damage or wear. It leads to a loss of compression, higher emissions, gas leakage from the combustion chamber, and lubrication loss. When piston rings are damaged, oil might leak into the combustion chamber. Due to the extensive labour required to guarantee that the engine piston parts are repaired, piston damage can be quite costly. This cost is generally significant since any fault must be rectified by disassembling the complete engine. Make sure you’re using the right engine oil and changing the oil and filter at the manufacturer’s suggested intervals to avoid piston damage and failure, whether it’s diesel piston rings or other engine piston components. You should also examine the state of the engine coolant, which you can do by opening the radiator cap or looking at the water in the coolant reservoir.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace Pistons?

Pistons are expensive to acquire. Replacing them is much more expensive. Because the procedure necessitates disassembly of the engine, fitting new pistons take a mechanic many hours (about six to eight). The price of the piston depends on the brand and model of your automobile, as well as the piston type you select. Carcility has the perfect packages tailored to your needs so that you can save on your time, money, and efforts. Book your car service appointment through our website or you can download the Carciltity App.