How to Clean Engine Carbon Deposits?
2 Answers
Engine carbon deposit cleaning methods are: 1. Remove the engine cover, take off the throttle valve, clean it with carburetor cleaner, wipe it dry with a cotton cloth, and then reinstall it; 2. Open the oil cap, pour in the entire can of cleaner, close the oil cap, start the engine and let it idle for 10 minutes before turning it off; 3. Before refueling, add the entire bottle of fuel additive to the fuel tank; 4. Pour the intake system cleaner into the storage tank of a dedicated cleaning device, connect it to the intake system, and start the engine to use vacuum to draw the cleaner into the intake pipes for cleaning purposes. Carbon deposits refer to tar-like substances formed when fuel and oil vapor that enters the combustion chamber cannot be completely burned, including intake and exhaust valves, spark plugs, fuel injectors, piston tops, etc. Over time, combined with repeated high temperatures in the engine, these substances eventually form coal-like carbon deposits.
From my 20+ years of driving experience, preventing engine carbon buildup should come first. Avoid prolonged idling in the city and drive more on highways to burn off deposits with higher RPMs. Always refuel at reputable gas stations to minimize combustion residue. For mild carbon deposits, you can use fuel additives – pour them into the tank and drive dozens of kilometers on highways, which works decently but shouldn't be overused to avoid engine damage. Severe carbon buildup requires professional shop treatment where they disassemble the engine to clean throttle valves and pistons – it costs money but is thorough and safe. I always check spark plugs during oil changes, and regular maintenance significantly reduces carbon buildup. DIY attempts might damage components, doing more harm than good.
