Piston rings - purpose and cost of replacement. What are the symptoms of damaged rings?

Piston ring types

To fully explain what piston rings are, it is necessary to mention their types. There are the following types of piston rings:

• sealing;
• compression scraper;
• scratcher

Piston rings - functions

The purpose of piston rings is to seal the space between the engine's combustion chamber and the crankcase. They also provide effective removal of excess engine oil that is deposited on the cylinder walls during vehicle operation.

The piston ring acts as a thermodynamic carrier that removes heat from the pistons. This also affects the control of oil consumption by the drive system, so care must be taken to ensure that it is in good condition. They must ideally fill the sealing surface so that the minimum gap is filled by the oil filter. It is worth noting that in their production a procedure called ovalization is used. It allows you to give the structure an oval shape, increasing its adaptability to thermal expansion.

Nominal rings versus oversized rings

A common mistake is to install stock rings on oversized pistons. Even a slight inaccuracy in fitting can lead to serious failure of the drive unit and the need for its repair. Always remember to put stock rings on stock pistons and oversized rings on the same size pistons.

What role do piston rings play in a car?

If you are wondering what role piston rings play in a car, remember that their main job is to seal the surface between the combustion chamber and the housing. connecting rod. These elements are made with great precision and care, so any damage to them adversely affects the operation of the engine. In the case of older vehicles, repairs can be cost-prohibitive and result in the vehicle being scrapped.

Piston rings - signs of failure

Symptoms of a bad piston ring are:

• element flutter;
• noticeable loss of power;
• excessive oil consumption. 

You may run into these problems when you subject your gasoline engine to medium loads and high RPMs. Regardless of the mileage of the car or the intensity of its use, such piston ring malfunctions should prompt you to visit the garage as soon as possible.

Stuck oil scraper rings - symptoms

Reduced engine power is the first sign of sticking oil scraper rings. Remember that the failure of these elements adversely affects the life of the engine. It may also be due to the rapid wear of the cylinders. If you do not notice any irregularities in the operation of the car's drive, then you should definitely measure the compression pressure periodically. Diagnostics of this kind should be carried out every few thousand kilometers. The difference between consecutive results should not exceed 0,2 MPa.

What is the replacement and installation of piston rings?

Replacing and installing piston rings on an engine requires knowledge and experience, and this is associated with considerable costs. Replacing o-rings often requires an overhaul of the engine. You must be aware that then your car will be laid up for at least a week. The scope of the service usually includes not only repair of pistons, but also grinding of connecting rods, milling of valve seats and honing of cylinders. By choosing the help of professionals, you will avoid mistakes, such as the already mentioned installation of regular rings on the wrong pistons. For the layman, this may not be so obvious, and the consequences can be unpleasant. If you contact a car service in advance, you can avoid costly repairs.

Can you replace piston rings yourself?

If you are wondering how to replace piston rings yourself, know that it is possible. However, this requires access to a range of professional power tools and tools.. Their purchase is unprofitable for an ordinary driver. A dose of knowledge will also be useful, if only in order not to make a mistake with the installation of regular rings on oversized pistons. In our opinion, people with experience in auto mechanics may be tempted to repair it themselves. Otherwise, it is better to take the help of specialists.

How much does a piston ring repair cost?

Cost depending on car model ремонт piston rings range from 1-2 to 5-6 thousand zł. Remember that one replacement may not be enough. Overhaul of the engine is a service that is valued by mechanical workshops even in the tens of thousands. zloty. Check your oil level regularly to avoid costly maintenance.