How to Tell if the Engine Has Carbon Deposits?
4 Answers
Signs of carbon deposits in the engine: 1. Difficulty starting the engine when cold, but normal when warm; 2. Unstable engine idle, with fluctuating RPMs; 3. Feeling of sluggishness and lack of power while driving; 4. Pungent exhaust fumes and excessive emissions; 5. Increased fuel consumption compared to before. Solutions for engine carbon deposits: 1. Using an engine carbon cleaning system ("drip cleaning"); 2. Machine cleaning; 3. Engine disassembly cleaning. Causes of engine carbon deposits: 1. Long-term poor driving habits by the owner; 2. Poor quality of gasoline used; 3. Aging or damaged carburetor in the engine. Methods for maintaining a car engine: 1. Regularly change the engine oil and filter; 2. Use lubricating oil of appropriate quality grade; 3. Periodically clean the radiator; 4. Maintain good crankcase ventilation.
You can tell after driving for a long time that engine carbon buildup will make the car's power weaker and weaker. When accelerating, it feels like something is dragging it down, and the throttle response is sluggish. At idle, the car shakes badly, and cold starts are particularly difficult, sometimes requiring several attempts to succeed. Once I was driving an old Accord, and on the highway, I clearly felt it was underpowered, with much higher fuel consumption than before. Later, a check at the shop revealed severe carbon buildup in the cylinders. Paying attention to small things, like regularly adding fuel additives or running the engine at high temperatures for an hour or two on the highway, can help prevent buildup. Don't ignore these small issues—dealing with severe carbon buildup is costly, requiring engine disassembly and cleaning, which is a big hassle.
As a car enthusiast who often tinkers with vehicles, I believe the most intuitive way to check for engine carbon buildup is by observing vehicle performance. Power loss is the most common signal, and noticeable sluggish acceleration or jerking is a red flag. Additionally, using professional tools like a borescope to inspect the valves and piston tops through the spark plug holes can reveal thick black deposits when carbon buildup is severe. Diagnostic tools reading fault codes such as P0300 (misfire) are often related to carbon deposits. I once encountered an owner complaining about engine shaking, and upon inspection, it was found to be caused by poor combustion due to carbon blockage. Regular intake system cleaning is recommended, using reliable cleaning agents sprayed inside for immediate results. Maintaining engine cleanliness can significantly extend its lifespan.
Paying attention to fuel consumption can reveal clues. If carbon deposits build up in the engine, fuel consumption may subtly increase by 10-20%, accompanied by a more pungent exhaust smell or black smoke emissions. Symptoms like insufficient power while driving or slow cold starts could be warning signs. For example, when I drive my compact car, I immediately add a bottle of cleaning additive whenever I notice a sudden spike in fuel consumption. I also use higher-grade gasoline regularly to avoid impurities. Periodic inspections of the exhaust system can help detect issues early. Simple maintenance can save you from costly major repairs.
