Genuine Parts TOYOTA 4E Engine Piston 13101-11101

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.

What Causes Damage to Engine piston Parts?

So that you can take action before any damage affects the engine, we’ve compiled a list of the most common and specific causes of piston damage to ensure you can easily recognise the problem. 
Common Causes of Piston Damage 

1. Burned Piston
A burned piston can be seen instantly once the top of the engine has been removed. You should be able to recognise visible signs of melting and sometimes a burnt hole in the piston. A burned diesel piston is generally caused by dirty fuel injectors being used.

2. Cracked Piston
Cracked piston causes can include continued use of low-quality fuel. Or, a cracked piston can be a result of the failure of the exhaust gas recirculation system.

3. Snapped Timing Belt
The timing belt plays a key role as it keeps the movement of the pistons and the valves in perfect alternating time. Once the belt has snapped, it can cause a collision between the two which can then lead to further damage. To prevent the timing belt from snapping, it’s important to change the timing belt according to the car manufacturer’s instructions.