What to Do About Carbon Deposits in the Combustion Chamber?
3 Answers
If carbon deposits have formed in the combustion chamber, it is recommended to use the walnut shell blasting method to remove them. Below is some information about carbon deposits in cars: Causes: Carbon deposits are caused by incomplete combustion of the air-fuel mixture inside the engine. The formation of carbon deposits in the engine is a normal phenomenon; any engine will develop carbon deposits over time with use. Hazards: If carbon deposits accumulate in the combustion chamber, they can increase the compression ratio of the chamber, leading to engine knocking during operation. Knocking can result in reduced engine power and increased fuel consumption.
When there's carbon buildup in the combustion chamber, I usually start with simple methods. Add a bottle of high-quality fuel system cleaner to the gas tank—it can dissolve some deposits. Driving several dozen kilometers on the highway at high RPM helps flush out the carbon more effectively. If the engine starts vibrating, throttle response slows, or fuel consumption increases, it's a sign of carbon buildup—don't ignore it. After using the cleaner, observe for a few days. If symptoms don't improve, visit a professional auto repair shop for an intake cleaning or walnut blasting. For daily use, avoid prolonged idling and opt for 95-octane gasoline to prevent deposits. The whole process requires patience—don't rush it.
As a hands-on person, I prefer physical cleaning when dealing with combustion chamber carbon deposits. Disassembling engine parts and using tools to remove stubborn carbon buildup requires technical expertise, so I recommend consulting a trusted mechanic. Carbon deposits stem from various sources, such as poor fuel quality or frequent short-distance driving, which can foul spark plugs or restrict airflow, leading to engine knocking. For prevention, I take a monthly highway drive, maintaining RPMs above 3,000 to flush the system. In severe cases, specialized equipment is used to extract carbon deposits—higher cost but longer-lasting results. Don't forget regular oil changes, as low-quality oil accelerates the problem.