4955641
Piston Ring Set
Cummins®

The Cummins 4955641 Piston Ring Set is a component designed for use in heavy-duty truck engines. It plays a significant role in the operation of these engines by ensuring efficient combustion and maintaining engine performance over time. Understanding its purpose and significance is key to appreciating its contribution to the overall functionality of heavy-duty trucks.

Basic Concepts of Piston Ring Sets

Piston ring sets are integral components in internal combustion engines. Their primary function is to seal the combustion chamber, allowing for efficient combustion by preventing gas leakage. Additionally, they contribute to controlling oil consumption by scraping excess oil from the cylinder walls, which helps in maintaining optimal lubrication without unnecessary oil burning. These functions significantly contribute to engine efficiency and performance ¹.

Purpose of the 4955641 Piston Ring Set

The 4955641 Piston Ring Set is specifically engineered to enhance the operation of truck engines. It effectively seals the combustion chamber, which is essential for maintaining compression and ensuring that the fuel-air mixture burns completely. This set also controls oil consumption by managing the oil film on the cylinder walls, which is vital for reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency. Furthermore, it contributes to enhanced engine performance by ensuring that the engine operates smoothly and efficiently ².

Key Features

This Cummins part is characterized by its high-quality material composition and precise design. It is made from durable materials that can withstand the high temperatures and pressures within the engine. The design of the rings includes features that optimize their sealing capabilities and oil control functions. These attributes ensure that the piston ring set performs reliably under demanding conditions ³.

Benefits

Using the 4955641 Piston Ring Set offers several advantages. It contributes to improved fuel efficiency by ensuring complete combustion and reducing oil consumption. This set also helps in reducing emissions, making the engine more environmentally friendly. Additionally, its durable construction enhances the longevity of the engine, providing reliable performance over time. Overall, it plays a significant role in maintaining and improving engine performance ⁴.

Installation Process

Installing the 4955641 Piston Ring Set requires careful attention to detail. The process involves cleaning the cylinder bore, inspecting the piston for any damage, and then carefully installing the rings. It is important to use the correct tools and follow best practices to ensure that the rings are seated properly. This will help in achieving optimal performance and longevity from the piston ring set ⁵.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Regular maintenance of the 4955641 Piston Ring Set is important for ensuring its continued performance. This includes checking for wear and tear, ensuring proper lubrication, and addressing any issues promptly. Common problems may include oil consumption issues or reduced engine performance, which can often be traced back to the piston rings. Troubleshooting these issues may involve inspecting the rings for damage or wear and replacing them if necessary ⁶.

Performance Enhancements

The 4955641 Piston Ring Set can contribute to performance enhancements in heavy-duty trucks. By ensuring efficient combustion and controlling oil consumption, it helps in increasing horsepower and torque. This, in turn, leads to improved overall efficiency and performance of the truck, making it a valuable component for those looking to get the most out of their engine ⁷.

Cummins Overview

Cummins Inc. is a well-established company in the automotive industry, known for its high-quality engine components. With a long history of innovation and commitment to excellence, Cummins has built a reputation for producing reliable and efficient engine parts. The 4955641 Piston Ring Set is a testament to this commitment, offering heavy-duty truck owners a component that enhances engine performance and reliability ⁸.

Role of Part 4955641 Piston Ring Set in Engine Systems

The 4955641 Piston Ring Set is a fundamental component within the engine piston kit, contributing significantly to the overall efficiency and performance of the engine. When integrated into the engine system, the piston ring set performs several key functions:

• Sealing the Combustion Chamber: The primary role of the piston ring set is to create a seal between the piston and the cylinder wall. This seal is vital for maintaining compression within the combustion chamber, ensuring that the air-fuel mixture is effectively compressed before ignition. Proper sealing also prevents the escape of combustion gases, which could lead to a loss of power and efficiency.

• Reducing Oil Consumption: The piston ring set helps in controlling the amount of oil that enters the combustion chamber. By scraping excess oil from the cylinder walls as the piston moves, the rings ensure that only a minimal amount of oil is burned during combustion. This not only reduces oil consumption but also minimizes the formation of carbon deposits on the piston and cylinder walls.

• Enhancing Thermal Efficiency: Efficient heat transfer between the piston and the cylinder wall is another important function of the piston ring set. By maintaining a good contact surface, the rings help in dissipating heat away from the piston, which is essential for preventing overheating and ensuring consistent engine performance.

• Minimizing Wear and Tear: The piston ring set plays a role in reducing friction between the piston and the cylinder wall. This reduction in friction helps in minimizing wear on both the piston and the cylinder, contributing to the longevity of the engine components.

In summary, the 4955641 Piston Ring Set is a fundamental component within the engine piston kit, ensuring effective sealing, oil control, thermal management, and wear reduction, all of which are essential for the optimal operation of the engine ⁹.

Components of Cummins Piston Ring Set 4955641

The Cummins Piston Ring Set 4955641 comprises several critical components, each playing a specific role in ensuring the efficient operation of the piston within an engine. Below is a detailed description of each component included in this kit:

Oil Piston Ring (4932802)

The Oil Piston Ring is a vital component of the Piston Ring Set. Its primary function is to control the amount of oil that reaches the cylinder walls. By regulating oil consumption, this ring helps maintain an optimal lubrication layer between the piston and the cylinder wall, reducing friction and wear. The Oil Piston Ring is typically positioned at the bottom of the piston ring pack.

Compression Piston Rings (4931042 and 4931044)

The Compression Piston Rings are essential for creating a seal between the piston and the cylinder wall to ensure that the air-fuel mixture remains in the combustion chamber during the compression and combustion phases.

• Compression Piston Ring 4931042: This ring is usually the topmost compression ring in the ring pack. It is designed to withstand the highest pressures and temperatures, providing a robust seal to prevent gas leakage.

• Compression Piston Ring 4931044: Positioned below the top compression ring, this ring provides additional sealing. It works in conjunction with the top ring to ensure that combustion gases are effectively contained within the combustion chamber, enhancing engine efficiency and performance.

Each of these components is meticulously engineered to work together seamlessly, ensuring that the piston operates within the cylinder with minimal friction and maximum efficiency. The combination of oil control and compression sealing is crucial for the overall performance and longevity of the engine ¹⁰.

Conclusion

The Cummins 4955641 Piston Ring Set is a critical component in heavy-duty truck engines, contributing to efficient combustion, reduced oil consumption, and enhanced engine performance. Its high-quality materials and precise design ensure reliable operation under demanding conditions. Regular maintenance and proper installation are essential for maximizing the benefits of this part, making it a valuable asset for heavy-duty truck owners.