ISC, ISCe, QSC8.3, ISL, ISLe3, ISLe4 and QSL9 Engines – 001-043   Piston

Some engines are equipped with articulated pistons. The articulated piston is a two (2) piece piston consisting of a forged steel crown and an aluminum skirt. An open chamber oil gallery is located on the underside of the crown of the piston to provide more oil contact with the piston and give better piston cooling.

WARNING  Do not remove the pressure cap from a hot engine. Wait until the coolant temperature is below 50°C [120°F] before removing the pressure cap. Heated coolant spray or steam can cause personal injury.

WARNING  Coolant is toxic. Keep away from children and pets. If not reused, dispose of in accordance with local environmental regulations.

WARNING  To reduce the possibility of personal injury, avoid direct contact of hot oil with your skin.

WARNING  Some state and federal agencies have determined that used engine oil can be carcinogenic and cause reproductive toxicity. Avoid inhalation of vapors, ingestion, and prolonged contact with used engine oil. If not reused, dispose of in accordance with local environmental regulations.

• Drain the coolant. Refer to Procedure 008-018 in Section 8.
• Drain the lubricating oil. Refer to Procedure 007-037 in Section 7.
• Remove the lubricating oil pan. Refer to Procedure 007-025 in Section 7.
• Remove the lubricating oil suction tube. Refer to Procedure 007-035 in Section 7.
• Remove the cylinder head. Refer to Procedure 002-004 in Section 2.
• Remove and disassemble the piston and connecting rod assemblies. Refer to Procedure 001-054 in Section 1.

WARNING  When using solvents, acids, or alkaline materials for cleaning, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use. Wear goggles and protective clothing to reduce the possibility of personal injury.

CAUTION  Do not use the bead blast method to clean the piston. The piston will be damaged by blast material embedded in the aluminum.

CAUTION  Do not clean the pistons and connecting rods in an acid tank.

Allow the piston to soak for a minimum of 30 minutes in a tank containing a cleaning solvent suitable for steel and aluminum.

CAUTION  Do not use a metal brush. A metal brush will damage the piston ring grooves.

Wash the pistons and connecting rods in a strong solution of laundry detergent in hot water. Use a non-metallic brush to remove carbon deposits.

CAUTION  Do not use a ring groove cleaner to clean the ring grooves. Do not to scratch the ring sealing surface in the piston groove.

Clean the remaining deposits from the ring grooves with the square end of a broken piston ring.

WARNING  When using solvents, acids, or alkaline materials for cleaning, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use. Wear goggles and protective clothing to reduce the possibility of personal injury.

WARNING  Some solvents are flammable and toxic. Read the manufacturer’s instructions before using.

WARNING  Wear appropriate eye and face protection when using compressed air. Flying debris and dirt can cause personal injury.

Wash the pistons again in a detergent solution or solvent.

After rinsing, used compressed air to dry.

Inspect the piston for damage and excessive wear. Check the top, ring grooves, skirt, and pin bore for cracks or damage.

NOTE: If severe piston damage has occurred, check the turbocharger and other exhaust components for damage from debris.

The ring groove can be inspected with a new ring and a feeler gauge.

Hold a new ring in the groove even with the outside diameter of the piston.

Install a 0.15 mm [0.006 in] feeler gauge.

If the feeler gauge enters the groove without resistance, there is too much wear. Replace the piston.

Articulated Pistons

Measure the piston pin bore inside diameter on both the crown and skirt.

Articulated Piston Pin Bore Inside Diameter

Single Piece Pistons

Measure the pin bore when the piston temperature is at 20°C [68°F].

Piston Pin Bore Diameter

NOTE: Add 0.013 mm [0.0005 in] to the bore diameter per 5°C [10°F] temperature rise up to 32°C [90°F].

Inspect the piston pin for nicks, gouges, and excessive wear.

Measure the piston pin outside diameter.

Piston Pin Diameter

Replace the piston pin if it is more than 0.003 mm [0.0001 in] out of round.

• Assemble and install the piston and connecting rod assemblies. Refer to Procedure 001-054 in Section 1.
• Install the lubricating oil suction tube. Refer to Procedure 007-035 in Section 7.
• Install the lubricating oil pan. Refer to Procedure 007-037 in Section 7.
• Install the cylinder head. Refer to Procedure 002-004 in Section 2.
• Fill the engine with coolant. Refer to Procedure 008-018 in Section 8.
• Fill the engine with lubricating oil. Refer to Procedure 007-025 in Section 7.
• Operate the engine and check for leaks.