How about using dry ice to remove carbon deposits?
4 Answers
Dry ice can effectively remove carbon deposits. Here is a detailed introduction to dry ice carbon deposit removal: 1. Cleaning process: During the entire cleaning process, when the high-speed sprayed dry ice particles collide with the dirt particles, the angular momentum of the dry ice particles is transferred to the dirt particles, causing the dirt to break away from the adhesion force on the object's surface, thereby allowing the solid particles to detach from the object's surface. 2. Effects: Reduces the damage of carbon deposits to engine efficiency, restores the engine's combustion efficiency, quickly restores the vehicle's original performance, ensures smooth acceleration, reduces exhaust emissions, and effectively controls environmental pollution.
Dry ice carbon cleaning is quite a high-tech method, which I researched while working on cars. It uses extreme cold to make carbon deposits brittle and then blasts them away, unlike chemical cleaners that can leave residues and corrode the engine. It's much gentler on cylinder walls and pistons. In practice, you need a compressed air machine to shoot out the dry ice pellets, which instantly freeze and crack the carbon layers, making them fall off—efficient and eco-friendly, with no leftover waste as the dry ice sublimates. However, the downsides are obvious: the equipment and dry ice blocks are costly, running hundreds or even thousands of yuan per session, so usually only repair shops can afford the tools. It's recommended for cars with severe carbon buildup, like older vehicles or those frequently driven long distances, but beginners should avoid DIY attempts to prevent frostbite or part damage. For routine maintenance, cheaper cleaning agents will do—no need to jump straight to dry ice.
I've seen dry ice carbon cleaning a few times in the workshop. Operators need to wear thick gloves since dry ice is at -70°C. It's directly blasted into the engine to break up carbon deposits, with immediate results - smoother fuel flow and quicker throttle response. Compared to walnut shell blasting, it's cleaner and more efficient with no residue to clean up, saving lots of hassle. This method suits professional technicians as it requires expensive equipment like spray guns and air compressors, making it unaffordable for small shops who have to outsource. For heavily carbon-fouled engines, it can extend engine lifespan - several cars I've serviced reported noticeable power gains. But don't treat it as a cure-all - for light carbon buildup, chemical cleaners are cheaper and equally effective, being both economical and convenient.
Don't overlook safety concerns. Dry ice is cold enough to cause frostbite, so protective clothing and goggles must be worn during operation. This method removes carbon deposits by freezing and blasting them away, being eco-friendly and pollution-free. However, it requires high technical expertise, and ordinary people should not attempt it recklessly as it may easily damage sensors or circuits. It's only recommended to have professional technicians from authorized shops handle it for safe, reliable, and effective results. Ensure good ventilation to avoid CO2 accumulation harming health. For minor issues, it's better to use more stable methods instead of dry ice for peace of mind.
