How Piston Rings Work?
The Brief Answer:
Piston rings form a seal between the piston and cylinder wall, which prevents pressurized combustion gases from entering the oil sump. They also regulate oil consumption by preventing excessive oil from entering the combustion chamber and burning. Properly functioning rings are vital to maximum engine power and efficiency.
In Detail:
When it comes to engine performance, the unsung heroes are often the smallest components. Among these, piston rings play a pivotal role in maximizing efficiency and enhancing longevity. These circular metal bands, nestled between the piston and the cylinder wall, are essential for maintaining optimal compression, controlling oil consumption, and preventing blow-by. Yet, many vehicle owners overlook their significance until problems arise. In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of piston rings, uncovering their crucial functions, types, and the impact they have on your engine’s health. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply looking to improve your vehicle’s performance, understanding how piston rings work can lead to informed maintenance decisions and a smoother ride. Join us as we explore the details that can transform your engine’s performance and
longevity—because a well-informed driver is a successful driver.
Most stock automotive pistons have three rings: The top and second rings are responsible for pressing tightly against the cylinder wall and sealing the combustion chamber, keeping combustion gases in and oil out. The oil ring scrapes oil off the cylinder wall on the way down the cylinder, depositing it back into the oil sump. Because an extremely thin film of oil lubricates the ring/cylinder wall interface, it is normal for some oil to burn during combustion. What constitutes “normal” oil consumption, however, depends on the engine.
When good rings go bad
Worn rings can allow a gap to form between the ring face and cylinder wall. During combustion, the pressurized gases that drive the piston down the cylinder and turn the crankshaft can blow by the piston and travel down the
cylinder wall and into the oil sump, taking horsepower and efficiency with it. Blow by also contaminates the motor oil, reducing its performance and service life.
Stuck rings can result in the same scenario. Extremely hot combustion gases can breakdown oil, forming carbon deposits in the ring grooves. Gasoline byproducts can form deposits, too. Heavy deposits cause the rings to stick in the grooves rather than stand proud of the piston, allowing a gap to form between the ring and cylinder wall, which invites blow by and oil consumption.
Blue smoke, hard starts and power loss
The negative effects of bad rings are often easy to notice. Excessive oil consumption can lead to blue smoke billowing out of your tailpipe, especially at startup before the engine has warmed and the rings have expanded in the cylinder. Burning oil also means you’ll also need to top-off your oil more
frequently.
Worn or stuck rings can also result in hard starts and reduced horsepower. As the engine is turning over, the piston compresses the fuel/air mixture prior to combustion. Bad rings, however, allow some of the fuel/air to escape the combustion chamber, effectively reducing engine compression and making the engine more difficult to start. Once it is running, reduced compression robs your engine of power.
Prevention is best practice
Preventing worn and stuck rings is vital to maximizing your engine’s power, efficiency and life. It starts with using a high-quality synthetic oil that fights wear and withstands extreme heat, keeping pistons clean.
For example, AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil delivers:
• 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear than required by a leading industry standard*, extending
the life of vital components like pistons and cams
• 93% cleaner pistons than required by a leading industry standard*
If you suspect your rings are worn or stuck, consider using the highest viscosity oil the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) recommends. Some OEMs recommend a range of viscosities, depending on your climate (e.g. 5W-20 when it’s cold, 10W-30 when it’s above 0ºF). Using the highest recommended viscosity can help close the gap between the rings and cylinder wall.
*Based on independent testing of AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30, in ASTM D7320 as required by API SN specification.
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