How to Clean Carbon Deposits on Engine Valves?
3 Answers
Use the walnut blasting method. The walnut blasting method involves grinding walnut shells into powder and then using a specialized machine to blast the walnut shell particles, which can remove carbon deposits from the engine. It is recommended to seek professional assistance at a specialized service center. Additional relevant information is as follows: 1. It is normal for carbon deposits to form inside a car's engine after prolonged use because the combustible air-fuel mixture in the engine cannot burn completely. Over time, carbon deposits will accumulate. Carbon deposits can affect the engine's performance, so it is advisable for car owners to clean them regularly. 2. Fuel additives can remove some carbon deposits and help reduce their formation. However, fuel additives cannot completely eliminate carbon deposits, and only genuine fuel additives from reputable brands have the effect of cleaning carbon deposits. Low-quality fuel additives may damage the engine and do not effectively remove carbon deposits.
I've driven quite a few cars before and often encountered valve carbon buildup issues, which can make the car feel sluggish during acceleration and increase fuel consumption. There are several main cleaning methods: First is using fuel additives, where you pour them directly into the fuel tank and drive for a few hundred kilometers. They can dissolve carbon deposits and are suitable for mild cases, but the effect is slow. Second is driving at high speeds to rev up the engine, using high-temperature combustion to burn off some carbon deposits. This counts as free maintenance, but it doesn't work well for stubborn carbon buildup. Third is professional walnut shell blasting, which involves spraying small particles into the intake valves for cleaning. This method is the most effective but costs a few hundred dollars at an auto repair shop. Finally, if the carbon buildup is severe, you might need to disassemble the engine for manual cleaning. However, this job is too complex and risky for non-professionals to attempt. Preventing carbon buildup is also important—using high-quality gasoline and driving more on highways while reducing short trips can extend the engine's lifespan. In short, addressing carbon buildup early can keep your car running smoothly, so don't wait until the problem gets worse to fix it.
I recently dealt with valve carbon deposits myself and found it quite interesting. The simple method is to buy a bottle of professional cleaner, add it to the fuel tank, and drive on the highway a couple of times—the carbon deposits will gradually clear out. It’s low-cost and hassle-free. However, for severe carbon buildup, I tried removing the valve cover—requiring a wrench, brush, and protective gloves—then spraying and scrubbing the black residue with cleaner. The process is tedious but saves money, though be careful not to damage the valve seal, as repairs can get expensive. I recommend beginners start with additives; if they work well, you can avoid the hassle. For daily maintenance, I regularly change the oil using good brands and avoid prolonged idling to reduce sludge buildup. After cleaning, the car shakes less, power is restored, and driving feels much better, but this job does require some DIY skills.
