Ford Focus (1998 - 2004) - 98 1.6 Piston ring collapse when changing cylinder

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Thu 28 May 2009 00:16
98 1.6 Piston ring collapse when changing cylinder - Billiam
Following a cam belt failure at 88k miles with the consequent expected damage to the cylinder head I have been advised by my garage that they have experienced piston ring collapse in a Zetec engined Mondeo after replacing the cylinder head. They have advised me that there maybe a 50/50 chance of this happening in my Zetec engined Focus.
Has anyone heard of this problem?
Are the piston rings ceramic or steel?
If they are the former I suppose this could happen but if the latter I find it difficult to believe.
Your comments would be appreciated.
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Thu 28 May 2009 09:11
98 1.6 Piston ring collapse when changing cylinder - Peter D
Any damage to the piston, particularly near the edge can compress the piston and trap the top ring leading to loss of compression, excess wear and possible increased oil consumption. The ring is steel. Regards Peter
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Thu 28 May 2009 11:04
98 1.6 Piston ring collapse when changing cylinder - 659FBE
Piston crown damage can narrow the ring slots leading to (usually) top ring breakage.

Piston rings are made of plated cast iron and are very brittle.

659.
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