Small Engine Piston Ring Design for Reduced Oil Consumption

To improve oil consumption of small four stroke gasoline engines a project was initiated to design, develop and manufacture a piston ring set which achieves reduced oil consumption without compromising engine performance. Theoretical factors which affect oil control are discussed. Application of these factors leads to the design of a reduced oil consumption ring set. Features of the new ring set are reviewed and confirmed by test results. Depending on test conditions, initial oil consumption is reduced 50% and average oil consumption by 3 0% when compared to current designs.