Mitsubishi piston

Types of Mitsubishi Piston

• Piston Rings

  Piston rings are circular metal bands that fit into grooves on the outer surface of a piston. Their primary role is to create a seal between the piston and the cylinder wall, preventing combustion gases from leaking into the crankcase and ensuring optimal compression within the engine. Moreover, piston rings help regulate engine oil by scraping excess oil from the cylinder wall and returning it to the crankcase. Typically, a Mitsubishi 4G63 piston ring set is used in 2.0-liter inline-four engines.

• Forged Pistons

  Pistons are often considered the heart of an engine, making it vital to choose the right type. For those seeking power and performance, forged pistons are undoubtedly the way to go. These bad boys are built to last and can handle high levels of stress and strain. Forged pistons are made from a solid aluminum billet, which gives them superior strength compared to cast pistones. This strength is crucial for high-performance engines that generate a lot of power. Additionally, forged pistons have a tighter grain structure, resulting in increased durability and wear resistance. They can withstand extreme heat and pressure, making them ideal for racing and other high-performance applications.

• Cast Pistons

  On the other hand, cast aluminum pistons are a great choice for those looking for a more budget-friendly option. While they may not be as strong as forged pistons, they still get the job done for most everyday driving needs. They are made from molten aluminum poured into a mold, which is a cost-effective manufacturing process. As a result, cast pistons are often used in standard engines that prioritize fuel efficiency and reliability over extreme power output. They may not handle as much stress as forged pistons, but with proper maintenance and care, they can provide many miles of trouble-free performance.

Specifications and Maintenance of Mitsubishi Piston

• Size

  The Mitsubishi piston is offered in a variety of sizes to accommodate different engine displacements and configurations. The piston diameter, often referred to as bore size, is measured in millimeters or inches. The Mitsubishi piston size influences the engine's compression ratio and overall performance characteristics.

• Piston Composition

  Pistons are mostly composed of aluminum alloys. Aluminum pistons tend to be lightweight, which reduces the overall weight of the vehicle. They also have a high strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum alloy pistons are resistant to corrosion and oxidation, which can increase the lifespan of the Mitsubishi piston. Additionally, aluminum alloy pistons have good thermal conductivity. This ensures even heat distribution and reduces the risk of piston seizure due to uneven heating.

• Piston Skirt

  The piston skirt is the part of the Mitsubishi piston that comes into contact with the cylinder wall. It plays a key role in reducing friction between the piston and the cylinder wall. The piston skirt is designed with a special coating, such as molybdenum. The coating reduces wear and tear on both the piston and the cylinder wall. Additionally, the piston skirt has a tapered or oval shape. The tapered shape improves the piston-cylinder clearance, reducing the risk of piston seizure.

• Piston Rings

  The Mitsubishi piston has three main rings attached to its outer surface. The first ring is the compression ring. This ring seals the combustion chamber, preventing gas leakage during the combustion process. The second ring is the oil control ring. This ring regulates the amount of engine oil that lubricates the piston. It also prevents the oil from entering the combustion chamber. The third ring is the scraper ring. This ring scrapes excess oil from the cylinder wall and returns it to the oil sump. All the piston rings ensure smooth movement of the piston within the cylinder, improving engine performance.

• Piston Pin

  The Mitsubishi piston pin connects the piston to the connecting rod. The piston pin is also called a wrist pin. It is available in two different designs: the semi-floating and the full-floating piston pins. The semi-floating piston pin is connected to the piston body. It rotates in a bushing attached to the connecting rod. On the other hand, the full-floating piston pin is not connected to the piston body. It rotates freely in both the piston and the connecting rod. The full-floating pin offers better engine performance because it reduces the overall weight of the piston assembly. As a result, the Mitsubishi engine runs smoothly and efficiently.

Proper maintenance of Mitsubishi pistons is essential to ensure long-lasting and optimal engine performance. Here are some maintenance tips:

• To prevent abnormal piston wear and tear, avoid using low-quality engine oil. Always use the manufacturer's recommended engine oil to ensure proper lubrication and piston movement within the cylinder.
• Avoid overloading and excessive engine revving. This exerts too much pressure on the piston, leading to damage and wear and tear.
• Conduct regular engine oil changes. This helps to maintain the quality of the engine oil and reduces the risk of piston seizure due to insufficient lubrication.
• Regularly check the engine oil level. This ensures that there is enough oil to lubricate the moving parts of the engine, including the piston.
• Conduct routine maintenance checks on engine components such as spark plugs and air filters. This ensures that the engine runs smoothly and reduces the risk of piston damage due to engine misfires or poor combustion.

How to Choose Mitsubishi Piston

• Understand the Engine's Specifications

  Different engines have different specifications. This includes the engine's make, model, and variant. This information is important as it will help choose the correct piston with the right size and specification that match the engine's design.

• Consider Piston Size and Compression Ratio

  The piston size is very important when selecting a Mitsubishi piston. It must be compatible with the engine's cylinder bore. Compression ratio affects power delivery and engine efficiency. Choosing a piston with the right compression ratio is important to achieve the desired engine performance.

• Evaluate Driving Needs and Engine Performance Goals

  Evaluate driving needs and engine performance goals. Do you want better fuel efficiency or more power and torque? This evaluation will influence the piston choice in terms of design and features to suit the performance needs.

• Assess Engine Condition and Use

  Consider the condition of the engine. For example, is it new or old? Assessing engine condition is important as it will determine the piston to use. For worn-out engines, larger piston sizes may be needed to achieve a good fit in the cylinder. Also, consider the type of use, such as regular commuting, towing, or performance-oriented driving.

• Select Piston Material and Design

  Mitsubishi pistons are made of different materials and designs. Each is suitable for a given purpose. For example, Mitsubishi pistons made of aluminum alloys offer a good strength-to-weight ratio. They are ideal for applications requiring lightweight components. On the other hand, forged steel pistons provide higher durability and strength. They are suitable for high-performance applications or heavy loads.

• Budget and Cost Considerations

  Consider the cost of the Mitsubishi piston and the budget. Balance the cost with the quality and performance benefits. Remember, opting for cheaper pistons can be costly in the long run.

How to DIY and Replace Mitsubishi Piston

Replacing the Mitsubishi 4g63 piston can be difficult. It involves working with heavy engine parts and requires some level of technical expertise. If unsure, it is best to consult a professional mechanic. However, here are the general steps to replace a Mitsubishi piston:

• Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools

  To replace a Mitsubishi piston, gather the following tools: new Mitsubishi piston rings, piston ring compressor, connecting rod bearings, torque wrench, gasket scraper, clean rags, engine oil, and potentially other tools.

• Step 2: Prepare the Engine

  Disconnect the battery and drain the engine oil and coolant. Then, remove any engine parts blocking access to the piston, such as the engine cover, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, and cylinder head.

• Step 3: Remove the Old Piston

  Rotate the crankshaft to bring the piston to be replaced to the top dead center (TDC) position. Use the appropriate tools to remove the connecting rod nut and slide the connecting rod off the piston. Then, remove the piston from the cylinder.

• Step 4: Install the New Piston

  Before installing the new piston, use a clean rag to wipe the piston and cylinder bore. Then, install the piston rings onto the new piston. Use a piston ring compressor to ensure the rings fit tightly. Then, lubricate the piston and cylinder bore with engine oil. Insert the new piston into the cylinder and connect it to the connecting rod. Tighten the connecting rod nut to the specified torque.

• Step 5: Reassemble the Engine

  Once the new piston is installed, reassemble the engine in the reverse order of disassembly. Reattach the cylinder head, torque the head bolts, and reconnect the exhaust manifold and intake manifold. Then, reinstall any other engine parts that were removed and reconnect the battery.

Q and A

Q1: How can one tell that a Mitsubishi piston is damaged?

A1: There are several ways to tell if the Mitsubishi piston is damaged. One of them is by checking the engine performance. If the engine performance drops, it could be a sign of piston damage. Other signs include engine noise, exhaust smoke, and loss of compression.

Q2: What causes piston damage?

A2: Piston damage can be caused by several factors. One of the most common ones is wear and tear. This is because, just like any other engine part, Mitsubishi pistons also experience damage over time. Other causes of piston damage include poor lubrication, detonation, and overheating.

Q3: Can damaged pistons be repaired?

A3: Well, in case the piston damage is minor, repair will be an option that can be considered. However, if the damage is beyond repair, replacement will be necessary.