How do I clean my ring packs? One of the first things Auto-RX Plus will do during any application is clean the ring packs. This typically happens within 1,500 miles. The advantage of having ring packs that are working properly include reduced oil consumption and increased oil life through the reduction of blow-by gasses.
Use the Search function found on the Auto-Rx Topics & Results page, located on the left near the top of the page, to learn more about using Auto-Rx Plus to clean the ring packs.
The gap in the piston ring compresses to a few thousandths of an inch when inside the cylinder bore. Piston rings may account for a considerable proportion of the total friction in the engine, as much as 24%.This high friction is a result of the design compromises needed to achieve good sealing and long lifetime. Sealing is achieved by multiple rings, each with their own function, using a metal-on-metal sliding contact.
Rings are also sprung to increase this contact force and maintain a close seal, either by the stiffness of the ring itself or by a separate spring behind the seal ring. It is important that rings float freely in their grooves within the piston, so that they can stay in contact with the cylinder. Rings binding in the piston, usually due to a build-up of either combustion products or a breakdown of the lubricating oil is a common cause of failure, especially for diesel engines.
Most automotive pistons have three rings: The top two while also controlling oil are primarily for compression sealing (compression rings); the lower ring is for controlling the supply of oil to the liner which lubricates the piston skirt and the compression rings (oil control rings).
