Piston: Description and Operation

Connecting Rods and Pistons
The connecting rods are manufactured from sinter-forged steel and have fracture-split bearing caps. The opposing sides of each connecting rod being fractured at the bearing horizontal center line.

The cylinder position is etched on adjoining sides of the joint to identify matching connecting rods and bearing caps. The connecting rod bearing shells are lead/bronze, split plain bearings.

The pistons are open ended skirt design with flat upper surfaces (dished on supercharged engines) to reduce heat absorption. Three piston rings, two compression and one oil control, are fitted to each piston. Each piston is installed onto a wrist pin which operates in a lead/bronze bush located in the connecting rod.