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piston ring
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Diagram of a gasoline engine showing a cross-section of a piston and cylinder. Key parts such as the spark plug, valves, camshaft, piston, connecting rod, and crankshaft are labeled. Labeled cross-sectional diagram of a V-type gasoline engine for an automobile, showing internal components such as pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, intake and exhaust valves, connecting rods, spark plugs, and intake manifold.
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piston ring

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Diagram of a gasoline engine showing a cross-section of a piston and cylinder. Key parts such as the spark plug, valves, camshaft, piston, connecting rod, and crankshaft are labeled.
gasoline engine Typical piston-cylinder arrangement of a gasoline engine.

A piston ring is a springy, split metal ring used in mechanical engineering to seal the gap between a piston and the cylinder wall. These rings are crucial for preventing leakage of compressed gases around the piston and stopping lubricating oil from entering the combustion chamber.12

The primary function of piston rings, particularly compression rings which are placed nearest the piston's working face, is to ensure a tight seal within the cylinder. This sealing action is vital for the efficient operation of engines and pumps, where pistons move reciprocally within cylinders.32

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