Carrying out a marine piston ring inspection this Spring

Every time Spring rolls around again, following a long cold Winter, it’s only natural that we all want to check as many things off our lists as possible. However, one of the aspects you might neglect to think about is the inspection of your marine piston rings. Whether it’s because you don’t frequent your boat that often, or because you’ve got larger boating issues to worry over, piston ring maintenance often slips from people’s minds. Here’s a refresher on how to inspect your piston rings this Spring.

What should piston rings do?

When fitted properly and of good quality, piston rings in the main engine serve to seal the piston to the liner. This prevents the leakage of fluids and gas.

How do I inspect my piston rings?

A simple visual inspection often suffices when looking at your piston sealing rings. To do so, simply look at the piston rings. In particular, look at the edges and the chamfer for any sign of wear. If the piston ring looks damaged or worn down, then it may be a good time to find a replacement. You can also check for scuffing, which is to check for any marks caused by other engine parts or just general wear.

What does a good condition piston ring look like?

A good piston ring will usually have the following traits:

– Bright running surfaces
– Sharp chamfer without any burning or indentations
– The ability to freely move the rings within their grooves
– A good supply of lubrication

Where can I get a new piston ring if mine has gone bad?

For top-quality piston rings, look no further than PPUK. Browse our website today, and make sure your piston rings are in tip-top condition this Spring!

Carrying out a marine piston ring inspection this Spring