An engine (11) includes pistons (71), cylinders, at least one fuel
injector (61), spark plugs (239), and
piston cooling jets (91). The engine (11) includes an
Electronic Control Unit (232) configured to receive an engine
oil temperature, current
coolant temperature, current spark value, calibrated spark value, current engine speed, and current engine torque. The
Electronic Control Unit (232) is configured to determine a non-firing
piston temperature,
coolant temperature and
combustion phase modifier, and firing
piston temperature. The
Electronic Control Unit (232) outputs a predicted piston temperature. A method includes housing pistons (71) in cylinders, supplying air, injecting fuel, combusting an air-fuel mixture, spraying engine oil, and receiving an engine
oil temperature, current
coolant temperature, current spark value, calibrated spark value, current engine speed, and current engine torque. The method includes determining a non-firing piston temperature,
coolant temperature modifier,
combustion phase modifier, firing piston temperature, outputting a predicted piston temperature, and coordinating operations of the fuel injectors (61) and spark plugs (239).