What the heck is on my pistons?

[SmithSwede]

Ok, here's a photo of various parts for Guzzi V7 Stone.  Check out the pistons. Yes--cool dished out tops in the Heron style. 

But what are those black side panels on the piston skirt?

http://search.yahoo.com/search?rewrite=72&.tsrc=apple&first=1&p=moto+guzzi+v7+engine&pintl=en&pcarrier=AT%26T&pmcc=310&pmnc=410&fr=onesearchnew&tsrc=apple

[Vasco DG]

Link only takes me to a search engine.

My guess is you mean the Teflon coating on the truncated skirts. It's there to reduce friction.

Pete

[guzzisteve]

Yes, it's not a 70's shovelhead, things have improved w/technology

[Idontwantapickle]

Yes, it's not a 70's shovelhead, things have improved w/technology

Snort!

[Penderic]

I think it is called DLC for diamond like coating. A hard ceramic like coating to reduce wear and friction.

[Vasco DG]

(Sigh!) No, it's not. It's something entirely different.

[Vasco DG]

See second reply. It's Teflon.

[Dukedesmo]

See second reply. It's Teflon.

In which case don't use Italian oil, my Mrs bought an expensive frying pan which I used to fry stuff in Olive oil and the Teflon flaked off...   

[Rough Edge racing]

 Some high performance V8 car pistons have the black coating on the skirts....It's to reduce friction and I don't believe it Teflon...

[guzzisteve]

I hope it wasn't put on by the company that hard faces the lifters.

[Bill Havins]

I hope it wasn't put on by the company that hard faces the lifters.

[insert rimshot]  You're bad, Steve!

[Vasco DG]

It's used on the big blocks too, has been since mid way through the V11 series.

[kingoffleece]

Been used on two stroke snowmobiles without issue for over 12 years

[Wayne Orwig]

 

Been used on two stroke snowmobiles without issue for over 12 years

Been on 2 stroke motorcycles for 40 years. They use it not only on the pistons, but also would often put it on the rings where they rub the pistons.

[SmithSwede]

Thanks.  Very interesting.  I had no idea they did that. 

Does Moto Guzzi keep this a secret to avoiding offending the Luddites?

[Wayne Orwig]

Does Moto Guzzi keep this a secret to avoiding offending the Luddites?

It is so common to do, why/how would it be a secret?