What are the hazards of an engine after dry ice cleaning of carbon deposits?
3 Answers
Dry ice cleaning of carbon deposits does not harm the engine. In fact, compared to the impact of carbon deposits on the engine, carbon deposits are more harmful. Using dry ice to clean the engine can largely remove carbon deposits from the engine. Compared to lifting the engine cylinder head to clean carbon deposits, the maintenance cost is significantly reduced, and the degree of cleanliness is comparable. Precautions when cleaning the engine with dry ice: For rust removal: Dry ice cleaning primarily uses high pressure to disperse dry ice particles widely, thereby effectively removing dirt from the surface of objects and reducing surface wear. Particularly, the high-pressure impact can dislodge stubborn stains in crevices from the surface, achieving excellent cleaning results. However, due to these advantages, dry ice cleaning also has certain limitations when it comes to removing thick layers of rust. Worker safety concerns: The extreme cold of dry ice can easily cause frostbite, especially during dry ice cleaning when particles are ejected at a speed of 900ft/s, making it impossible for the human body to resist. Therefore, to better protect the safety of cleaning personnel, all protective equipment must be worn before operation. For example, durable gloves and full-face masks should be used to avoid exposing the skin, thereby preventing harm.
I once tried cleaning engine carbon deposits with dry ice myself, thinking it was quite novel, but it almost ruined my car. Residual moisture from the cleaning seeped into the engine, quickly causing rust and corrosion on some metal parts, especially the sealing gaskets, which became brittle and prone to oil leaks. Even worse, the dry ice particles weren’t fully removed and mixed into the engine oil, clogging the oil filter and leading to poor fuel supply. After starting, the car shook violently and even burned out a fuel injector. What scared me the most was that the extremely low temperatures during cleaning caused plastic pipes to shrink and deform, cracking and leaking after just a few months of use. Now I’ve learned my lesson—this cleaning method is too risky. It’s better to regularly add cleaning additives or have professionals manually remove carbon deposits, at least without damaging parts. If you’ve tried it, immediately change the oil and get a full inspection—don’t wait for small issues to turn into major repairs.
Dry ice carbon cleaning sounds high-tech but hides multiple risks. If residual CO2 particles or carbon debris aren't thoroughly removed, they can directly fall into cylinders and scratch piston walls, causing increased wear and fuel consumption. Moisture issues are equally troublesome - melted dry ice leaves humidity that easily corrodes precision components like crankshafts or bearing shells, shortening engine lifespan. The intense cleaning impact may also cause valve deformation/misalignment, resulting in loud noises and power loss. As a frequent mechanic, I recommend post-cleaning checks: inspect fuel lines, replace filters, and ideally conduct professional internal inspections at certified shops to nip problems in the bud. Avoid cut-rate workshops to save money - improper cleaning leads to costlier repairs later.
