Is It Necessary to Clean Carbon Deposits on the Piston Top?
2 Answers
It is absolutely necessary to clean them. If not cleaned, the consequences include reduced power, increased fuel consumption, louder noise, and higher pollution levels in exhaust emissions. Below are the reasons for carbon deposit formation: 1. Poor fuel atomization: Diesel engine piston tops are prone to carbon deposits. The main cause is poor fuel atomization by the injector, leading to inadequate mixing of fuel and air, incomplete combustion, and resulting in carbon deposits on the piston top. 2. Excessive engine oil: This is mostly due to an excessive gap between the piston and cylinder or incorrect installation of piston rings, especially trapezoidal rings. Installing them in the wrong direction can scrape oil towards the piston top.
From my experience of driving for over 20 years, carbon deposits on piston tops don't necessarily need cleaning—it depends on the actual condition of the vehicle. Carbon buildup is residue from incomplete gasoline combustion, and excessive accumulation may cause engine shaking, soaring fuel consumption, or starting difficulties. However, if the car runs smoothly without obvious issues—like stable RPM and sufficient power—there's no need to rush into cleaning; otherwise, it's just wasted money. Short-distance city driving tends to accumulate carbon deposits, so I recommend trying fuel additives to remove some deposits. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements, can also help prevent carbon buildup. The key is to observe driving performance—don't panic and rush into cleaning just because of carbon deposits. After all, cleaning costs range from hundreds to thousands, and saving that money for better fuel is more practical.
