Piston coatings

[Jackson1320]

I have heard that a ceramic coating on the pistons is good because it keeps the pistons from absorbing heat. Also I have heard that piston coatings can prevent the cylinders from dissipating heat causing a higher chance of detonation. Any insight?

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[WD Pro]

Heads up - I am a tuning thicko

Given a choice, would the safer option be for you to have a problem that could be automatically taken care of i.e. the det issue ?

Surely that would put the problem in the hands of the tuner and they can put precautions / strategies in the tune to compensate for it.

i.e. remove one uncontrollable problem and replace it with a controllable one ?

WD

 

[Jackson1320]

I don’t get your point

 

[GregO]

I have heard that a ceramic coating on the pistons is good because it keeps the pistons from absorbing heat. Also I have heard that piston coatings can prevent the cylinders from dissipating heat causing a higher chance of detonation. Any insight?

I have more experience with 2 strokes vs. 4 strokes. 2 stroke piston domes with a thermal barrier have merit. The better coatings do work well if applied correctly. Most OEM 2 stroke pistons and Wiseco's come with a hard coat dome and DFL skirts. Death Ash is a good indication of excessive dome temperatures.

As far as heat dissipation, 70% is mostly performed by the piston rings. Oil jets change that percentage but now I'm getting into the weeds.

Honestly, a 4 stroke motor with functional oil jets I wouldn't fret over thermal coatings on pistons unless the motor is designed for N2O, Boost or an exotic fuel. 4 strokes leave a lot of time between combustion events to cool the hot side of pistons when A/F is at it's best power ratio.
I do think given the option and desire to spend extra money a set of pistons with coated domes and DFL skirts have a slight advantage at normal to sightly elevated performance levels. In highly stressed high powered engines the coatings are justifiable.

https://blog.wiseco.com/piston-coatings

https://auto.jepistons.com/blog/what-is-electroless-nickel-coating-for-pistons

https://dieselnet.com/tech/combustion_piston-cool.php

 

[Jackson1320]

i.e. remove one uncontrollable problem and replace it with a controllable one ?

WD

What uncontrollable probem and what controllable?

 

[WD Pro]

Sorry, I missed replying to your last message

I am assuming that excessive piston temps (let's say with no coating) is pretty much undetectable on the standard ECU i.e. it 'could' go unnoticed until it was too late i.e. somewhat uncontrollable.

If you coat the pistons (your concern about increasing det) would be detectable by the standard ECU and therefore it could be kept under control by the tune i.e. controllable, even if it sacrifices a bit of power for longevity ?

WD

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