1. What is a Piston Clearance Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the clearance between a piston and cylinder bore in an engine.

Purpose: It helps mechanics and engineers ensure proper piston fit for optimal engine performance and longevity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( C \) — Clearance (meters)
• \( D_{bore} \) — Cylinder bore diameter (meters)
• \( D_{piston} \) — Piston diameter (meters)

Explanation: The difference between bore and piston diameters is divided by 2 to get the radial clearance on each side.

3. Importance of Piston Clearance

Details: Proper clearance prevents piston seizure while maintaining efficient combustion and minimizing oil consumption.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both diameters in meters (typically 0.05-0.15m for automotive engines). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical piston clearance?
A: For aluminum pistons, clearance is typically 0.0005-0.0025m depending on engine type and materials.

Q2: What happens if clearance is too small?
A: Risk of piston seizure due to thermal expansion when the engine heats up.

Q3: What if clearance is too large?
A: Causes piston slap, increased oil consumption, and reduced engine efficiency.

Q4: Should I measure diameters hot or cold?
A: Measurements should be taken cold, but calculations should account for thermal expansion.

Q5: How does material affect clearance?
A: Different materials expand at different rates - aluminum expands more than cast iron.