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In this post, we’re taking a look at the evolution of the piston from a one-piece to a two-piece piston, focusing specifically on the Caterpillar 3406E 5EK diesel engine.
Knowing about the different piston designs can help ensure your engine has the right components to run at its best!
About the Piston
You probably already know that the piston is an integral part of your diesel engine.
It’s job is to transform the energy in a diesel engine. In short, it’s what makes it run.
But this important component has changed through the years.
How Emission Requirements Have Affected the Piston
The piston takes more abuse than any other component in your heavy duty diesel engine, because of the extremely harsh conditions it operates in.
As time went on, diesel engines changed as a result of higher horsepower and the increasing emissions regulations. This increased the temperatures and pressures in the combustion chamber.
Because of the impact these emission requirements had on the diesel industry, new technology was developed to help advance the engine components. This brought forth an era of new piston designs.
This was also the time the 5EK was available, and it progressed with the changing piston designs. If you’re working with a customer with a 5EK, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the right piston the first time!
How the 5EK Was First Manufactured
Originally, the 5EK engines were manufactured with a one-piece aluminum piston.
This piston is lightweight and manages the combustion temperatures well. Additionally, aluminum pistons are easy to manufacture in large quantities.
After Emission Regulations
As we mentioned, once the stricter emissions regulations came into effect, manufacturers had to reevaluate what material would work best for diesel engine pistons.
The more durable two-piece steel and aluminum piston came about because of this. It was offered to support the changes in the operating conditions.
This is a two-piece articulated piston and it has a separate steel crown and aluminum skirt. This piston pin fits through the free-floating aluminum skirt and is attached to the forged steel crown.
Replacing the Pistons in Your Caterpillar 5EK
If you need to replace the pistons on your Caterpillar 5EK, the one-piece design is still available.
Caterpillar does, however, recommend upgrading to the updated piston design. This upgrade is more reliable and results in improved engine performance.
Sourcing Your Pistons
It’s important to note that if you’re components for the Caterpillar 5EK, it can have different pistons.
You should also be aware that it’s highly likely that the engine you’re working on has been rebuilt, meaning that the pistons the ESN indicated the engine was originally built with may not be the pistons that are there now.
Other Things to Know When Replacing the Pistons On Your 5EK
If you change your piston configuration, you’ll also need to change the piston cooler and piston just to keep everything operating properly.
It’s important to know which piston you’re dealing with. That way, you can get the right part the first time!
At Highway & Heavy Parts, we’re not just selling you a part. We’re selling an industry leading service that consists of advanced technical knowledge, taking the risk out of buying diesel engine parts.
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