During the operation of the car engine, on its valves, the piston crown, on the walls of the combustion chambers and other places, carbon deposits are gradually formed. It is almost impossible to avoid this process, but, under certain conditions, carbon deposits are formed especially intensively. The reason for this may be the use, incorrect adjustment of the carburetor, poor filtering of the air entering the carburetor, engine malfunctions, etc.

What is soot and its consequences

Carbon deposits are unburned particles of fuel, dust, or engine oil that entered the combustion chambers. A particular danger is carbon deposits, which are deposited in the form of a thick layer. The fact is that it has a rather low thermal conductivity, and a thick crust of soot can significantly impair the process of removing excess heat from engine parts, thereby disrupting the normal thermal regime of its operation.

At the same time, engine parts begin to wear out much more intensively, which reduces their service life. Also, carbon deposits in combustion chambers can cause such a dangerous phenomenon for the engine as glow ignition, when the fuel-air mixture ignites not from a spark plug at a given moment, but randomly, from overheated carbon deposits, which increases the risk of breakdown. engine.

How to remove soot

It should be noted that in most cases, under what is called ideal conditions, carbon deposits in the engine are removed spontaneously, for this you need to periodically drive a car for about 100 km at high speed, having previously refueled it. quality gasoline. When the engine is running in such an intensive mode, carbon deposits will be removed. Of course, it will not be possible to remove large carbon deposits, especially old ones, in this way, and, in this case, you can resort to other methods that do not involve disassembling the engine.

Plaque removal solution

One of these methods can be called chemical, and it is desirable to coincide with the cleaning of carbon deposits by this method for the next change of engine oil. You need to prepare a solution by mixing two parts of acetone, one part of kerosene and one part of motor oil. This solution is poured into all engine cylinders through the spark plug holes. Next, the spark plugs are installed in place, and the engine crankshaft is rotated several times, for example, using the starting handle. The solution remains in the cylinders for a day, after which the spark plugs are unscrewed, and the engine crankshaft is again turned about 10 times in order to “blow out” the cylinders. After that, the candles are washed with gasoline, dried and installed on the engine. Next, the engine oil in the engine is replaced, as well as the oil filter, in the usual manner, in accordance with the instructions in the car's operating instructions. The car is refueled with quality fuel, and travel at high speed on a good road. Usually, after running the first 100 km, carbon deposits are removed from the engine almost completely. It should be taken into account that in this case the engine oil can be heavily contaminated with soot, and it will be necessary to change it again after a run of 500 km. since the removal of soot.

rubber tube method

There are other ways to remove soot. For example, you need to insert a needle from an injection system into a rubber tube that runs from a vacuum regulator to a carburetor, with a tube from the same system put on it. Dip the other end of this tube into a small container of water. Due to the vacuum formed in the vacuum regulator, water from the tank will be sucked into the carburetor, and along with the fuel mixture will enter the engine cylinders. It is better to do this operation on a running engine so that there are no difficulties with starting it. Water vapor will help soften carbon deposits and quickly remove them from the engine; it is enough to let the engine run for about 10 minutes “on the water”.

Cleaning method with high-performance additives

If you have no time to deal with solutions and use different tubes, you can always use auto chemical goods from Germany, in full range, presented in the window of our store. You will always find the right fuel additive and once and for all get rid of the problems associated with soot and deposits in your car engine. Additives have a very high washing power, without any problems they can cope with even the most polluted areas for gasoline systems.

During the operation of the engine, coke and fumes are formed in the fuel combustion chamber at high temperatures. What it is?

How to determine on your own that coke and fumes have accumulated in the car engine?

Coke is a solid deposit on the walls of the combustion chamber, formed when pierced without air. Cinder is the small loose remains of such coke. Oil scraper piston rings are not able to cope with this task, so there is nothing left but to clean the engine with your own hands.

Expert opinion

Ruslan Konstantinov

Automotive expert. Graduated from IzhGTU named after M.T. Kalashnikov with a degree in Operation of Transport and Technological Machines and Complexes. An experience professional repair vehicles for over 10 years.

Coke refers to the deposits of soot, burning and tar in the engine. Coke is formed for various reasons:
driving on low-quality fuel with a low degree of purification;
the use of various additives to increase the octane number, for example, some car owners use lead additives to increase the 92nd gasoline to the 95th (despite the NP ban, finding them on sale is not difficult);
engine oil enters the fuel combustion chambers;
use of engine oil that is not suitable for this type of engine;
driving on a cold engine with loads (especially important in winter);
movement at low speeds (traffic jams).
These factors certainly contribute to the formation of coke. But even if you exclude them all and use only highly refined gasoline, it is still impossible to exclude deposits. It is an inevitable and natural product of the engine's work. internal combustion.
Coke is dangerous because it disrupts the operation of the engine and gradually leads to the need overhaul. Soot on the walls of the combustion chamber leads to a decrease in the volume of the latter and the appearance of detonation, the strength of which will only grow with an increase in soot.
Carbon deposits on the cylinder head prevent the normal removal of heat, which provokes overheating. Coke on the valves makes the exhaust and incoming gases smaller, and this affects the drop in power and dynamics. Due to soot, the valves cannot close completely, sooner or later this will lead to their burnout. But the most terrible consequence is the reduction in compression and the occurrence of all the problems associated with this due to coked oil scraper and compression rings on the pistons.

Note that when the engine is running, the oil from the exhaust valves is also along with the fuel mixture flows. The higher the mileage of the car, the higher the likelihood that oil will enter the engine combustion chambers not only in the described way, but also through some other engine elements. That is why you should not leave this work “for later”.

As soon as the first signs of “decoking” appear, immediately rid the engine of carbon deposits by removing coke from the entire surface of the engine of the machine.

1. From exhaust pipe burning constantly flies out, and a specific smell appears in the cabin when the ignition is turned on. When does it start cold engine, there is a "smoky" effect.

2. Constantly growing oil consumption.

3. The dynamics of the car has decreased.

4. The engine runs unevenly at idle.

5. In the cold season, the engine barely starts, although everything is in order with the battery.

Decarbonizing methods

In order to perform the decarbonization yourself, you can use one of two methods.

The first of them involves pouring pre-purchased products into the engine cylinders through the holes of the candles, which loosen and remove coke deposits. This option is considered more efficient, and it should be carried out on a warm engine.

In the second case, you should add a chemical agent to gasoline or oil. This method is less troublesome, but it is also less effective. If, nevertheless, you choose this method, then carefully read the instructions on the packaging of the liquid, noting how much substance, in what order and where to fill it.

Now consider the first method of decoking in more detail.

Prepare a screwdriver and purchased fire extinguisher.

1. Remove all spark plugs.

6. Disengage the gear and be sure to rotate the engine with the starter for at least 15 seconds to remove the fluid remaining in the cylinders. If this is forgotten, the engine may be damaged due to water hammer. Before you scroll the motor, fix the central high-voltage drive by creating a gap between the ground and the wire tip by a couple of centimeters. This will avoid breakdown of the ignition coil.

7. Tighten the candles, return the drive to its place and start the car. Do not be afraid of any difficulties with starting the engine, or the appearance bad smell after this procedure. Smoke can go on the first 10 km of the car. You can drive when the car has been running for twenty minutes at idle.

The formation of soot in the combustion chamber of the engine is mainly associated with low-quality fuel. As a result of incomplete combustion of this fuel, carbon deposits appear on the chamber walls and piston crowns.

When carbon deposits reach a certain mass, a large number of problems may arise in the operation of components and assemblies.

Consider the main signs of engine contamination, how to find out about the need to remove carbon deposits, how and how to clean the power unit.

The main signs of deposits in the engine

Nagar and coke are the main products during the combustion of low-quality fuel. Under the influence of high temperature, when the amount of air is not enough for complete combustion fuel-air mixture- coke is formed. It settles in the form of dense deposits on the surface of the walls of the combustion chamber. Small particles separated from the coke form soot.

An important role in the formation of soot is assigned to engine oil, which, with insufficient tightness of the engine components (piston rings, valve seals), enters the combustion chamber. By burning with the fuel, the oil speeds up the process of deposit creation.

Carbon deposits in the engine lead to the following main malfunctions:

1. problems with the "cold" start of the motor;
2. the running engine smokes, it does not work stably;
3. exhaust gases with an admixture of burning;
4. increased oil consumption;
5. power loss;
6. increased fuel consumption;
7. detonation and engine overheating high revs

Possible consequences of soot in the engine

It not only reduces work efficiency, worsens overall performance, leads to big expense fuels and lubricants, but also increases the risk of serious engine damage and, as a result, costly repairs. The main possible examples of such consequences are:

• soot formation on the valves - the valve cannot close completely.
• deposits on the rings - there is a occurrence of rings.
• the effect of potassium ignition - uncontrolled ignition of the mixture from smoldering.

All of these examples can lead to critical situations. With strong coking of valves and rings, the valve does not close completely, the rings lie down, and the compression in the engine decreases. As a result, the engine does not start well, malfunctions, the valves burn out - there is a need for expensive repairs.

Potassium ignition provokes uncontrolled ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders. Fuel ignites uncontrollably, the reason for this behavior is smoldering soot that ignites gasoline or diesel fuel. The motor overheats, there is increased wear of parts power unit, fuel system, exhaust system.

To protect the engine from negative consequences it is necessary to periodically flush it from accumulated deposits and slags. After the appearance of characteristic signs, it is possible to clean an already clogged motor. Consider how to clean carbon deposits in the engine yourself.

Nagar and coke are the main ways to get rid of them in an engine

There are two main options that can be used to clean the motor, consider each of them:

• clean the power unit with any flushing agent;
• disassemble the engine and mechanically remove deposits

As far as flush oils and fuel additives are concerned, this cleaning will remove small deposits in the fuel system, lubrication system, combustion chamber and other places only if the contamination is insignificant. Otherwise, in case of severe contamination, deposits cannot be washed off with such additives and the cleaning effect will not be achieved. Sometimes you can even aggravate the situation, and cause harm.

Many motorists are interested in the question of how to flush the engine from soot without disassembly? Therefore, consider a method in which the unit does not need to be disassembled.

1. We unscrew the spark plugs on gasoline cars, or potash candles on diesel.
2. Pour into cylinders through spark plug wells special liquid"decoking".
3. We are waiting for several hours - the cleaner softens the deposits.
4. We screw the candles and start the engine. The softened soot burns out and is removed from the cylinders.

After carrying out this procedure, it is impossible to use the oil remaining in the engine and the oil filter, they must be replaced. Getting into the engine crankcase, the washed composition saturates the oil and filter with abrasive particles that are aggressive towards the cylinders.

To achieve the maximum effect of engine cleanliness, it is necessary to use a mechanical cleaning method. Its principle is simple - the motor is disassembled and cleaned of soot and coke manually, with an abrasive tool. Then it is washed with detergents with high surface activity. This method allows you to clean all hard-to-reach engine elements, including lubrication channels and other elements.

Benefits of cleaning the engine without disassembly

Obviously - the main advantage is the absence of the need to disassemble the power unit. Mechanical disassembly is a complex and time-consuming process that requires an impressive amount of work. To perform it only for the sake of cleaning from soot is impractical. This procedure is typical when performing a major overhaul of the motor.

It is worth noting that before performing the cleaning procedure, you should seek the advice of professional minders. A completely cleaned engine is beyond the power of even very strong chemistry, and improper use of it can cause damage.

The most common risk is blockage of the channels by particles that have separated from soot. Sometimes, with such a development of events, it is better not to touch the engine - this will allow it to be operated for some more time. Otherwise, when you try to wash it, the likelihood of a subsequent repair is very high.

The formation of soot and coke in a gasoline or diesel engine is a natural process under conditions of high combustion temperatures of the fuel-air mixture in a closed chamber. In fact, soot is a layer of unburned deposits on the walls of the combustion chamber of the power unit. Over time, carbon formation and coking of the engine progresses, at some point causing a number of malfunctions and malfunctions.

Next, we will consider the main symptoms by which you can determine the coking of the engine and the need for further cleaning of the cylinders from coke, and also talk about how and how to clean the engine from carbon deposits with your own hands.

Read in this article

Carbon deposits in the engine: main signs

As already mentioned, carbon deposits and coke are formed in the combustion chamber during fuel combustion. Coke in the engine is a dense deposit on the surface of the walls of the working chamber. Such deposits occur under the influence of high temperature in the absence of a sufficient amount of air.

Nagar are fine crumbly fractions of the same coke, which are separated from the total mass. In addition to engine coking, engine oil enters the combustion chamber. Usually lubricant can penetrate into the cylinder through the piston rings, as well as in the event of certain malfunctions. In the second case common problem become valve seals (valve seals).

In the list of the main malfunctions that occur during engine coking, experts note the following:

• the engine does not start well "cold";
• after starting, the motor is observed and / or;
• in some cases, the exhaust has a specific smell of burning;
• oil consumption increases;
• the engine loses power;
• excessive fuel consumption is observed;
• at high speeds, engine overheating may also occur;

During regassing, especially on cars with a faulty or removed catalyst, you can notice burning particles that fly out of the exhaust pipe. Also, the car reacts sluggishly to pressing the gas pedal, the engine “does not pull” under load, etc.

Engine coking: possible consequences

It is quite obvious that soot reduces efficiency and worsens the overall performance of the motor. In parallel with this, there is a risk of serious damage to the internal combustion engine. For example, critical situations can be considered such when rings are heavily coked or a short circuit effect () occurs. In the first case, the valve cannot close completely due to a thick layer of soot, and a decrease in compression in the engine occurs, the engine starts to triple, it starts poorly. Quite often, which leads to costly repairs.

With regard to short circuit, this phenomenon causes uncontrolled ignition of the mixture in the engine cylinders from smoldering soot. In other words, the charge will not be ignited by an ignition spark in gasoline engine or from contact with air heated from compression in, but spontaneously. As a result, the motor overheats, significant damage is caused, etc.

To prevent negative consequences, it is recommended to periodically clean it for preventive purposes, that is, to prevent heavy accumulation of deposits. Also, after the appearance of the first symptoms, it is possible to clean the already coked engine from soot, that is, to carry out the procedure for decoking the engine. Let's take a closer look at how to clean carbon deposits in the engine yourself.

Methods for flushing the engine from soot and coke

To begin with, the engine can be cleaned in two ways, which can be divided into the following:

• engine cleaning with active chemicals;
• mechanical removal of coke deposits after disassembly of the internal combustion engine and subsequent washing;

We note right away that on flushing oils and various fuel additives (up to connecting the engine to a separate tank with a special cleaning agent, bypassing fuel tank) we will not focus on. The fact is that these solutions help to support fuel system, lubrication system, combustion chamber and other "insides" of the engine in relative cleanliness only in the case of new or initially clean engines (for example, units after a complete overhaul). If the engine has already been coked, then such methods will not bring the desired effect and can only worsen the situation.

To clean the internal combustion engine from carbon deposits, it is necessary to carry out a more “rigid” decarbonization procedure piston rings and engine, clean the combustion chamber as efficiently as possible, etc. We add that this method of cleaning the engine from coke and deposits is very popular among motorists due to the fact that it avoids disassembling the engine.

1. First you need to unscrew the spark plugs on gasoline internal combustion engines or diesel.
2. Next, you need to pour a special liquid (the so-called decoking) into the engine cylinders through the candle wells.
3. Then the unit with the flooded cleaning is left for several hours. As a result, the coke and carbon cleaner makes the deposits in the engine soft.
4. After screwing in the spark plugs and further starting the engine after decoking, the washed carbon deposits simply burn out in the cylinders.

The final stage flushing the internal combustion engine is a mandatory change of engine oil and oil filter, since the aggressive composition enters the engine crankcase and makes the filled oil unsuitable for use.

You can read more about the procedure for decoking the motor in, which describes in detail the process of cleaning the motor from carbon deposits using an example diesel engine. We also note that various means for decoking piston rings and cleaning the combustion chamber are on free sale. Among domestic consumers, a composition called "Lavr" has gained wide popularity.

Now let's talk about mechanical cleaning. This method allows you to achieve maximum engine cleanliness, and is also devoid of the disadvantages that are present when cleaning with “chemistry”. In other words, the motor is disassembled, after which coke and carbon deposits are removed from the surfaces manually, using tools by grinding, as well as using active detergents. This approach allows you to clean not only the rings and individual sections of the combustion chamber, but also valves, as well as other hard-to-reach elements. At the same time, the oil channels of the engine lubrication system are washed, the cavities in the crankcase, the oil receiver, the oil receiver filter screen, etc. are cleaned.

What is the result

It is clear that the main disadvantage mechanical way is the complexity and impressive amount of work. For this reason, drivers rarely agree to disassemble the motor only to clean the unit from soot and coke deposits. More often this procedure is performed during the overhaul of the engine.

Finally, I would like to add that it is highly advisable to consult with minders before you decide to clean the engine of coke and flush the combustion chambers from soot. The fact is that even the most aggressive chemistry does not completely remove deposits.

As a result, there is a risk of clogging of the channels by particles separated from the total mass. If otherwise, in some cases it is better not to clean the motor at all, which will allow it to be operated further for some more time. If you try to wash such an engine from carbon deposits with special cleaners, then the likelihood of its immediate subsequent repair greatly increases.

Read also

How to flush the engine yourself with diesel fuel or kerosene before changing the engine oil. Advantages and disadvantages of cleaning, features of washing the engine with diesel fuel.

Causes of soot in the combustion chamber, what is soot. How to clean the engine pistons and the combustion chamber from carbon deposits, cleaning without disassembling the engine.

Flushing oil for the engine: in what cases and how is it used, what is included in the composition, advantages and disadvantages of this type of flushing of the lubrication system.

Almost every car owner asked himself the question: “How and with what help can the engine be washed from other contaminants?” During long-term operation vehicle in the engine compartment accumulates a large amount of pollution of various origins. Beyond the aesthetic appearance, this problem important from a technical point of view. After all, a large accumulation of dirt in the power unit can affect the correct operation of the engine system. That is why it is very important to monitor the cleanliness of the engine of your vehicle.

Many owners turn to car washes for such a service, where they clean the power unit with a jet of water under high pressure. This service has a small cost, but there is a possibility of water getting on electrical equipment, which can disrupt the operation of the generator, starter and other important systems. In this article, we will consider how, with what and in what sequence the engine should be washed from oil and dirt at home.

What is dangerous dirt under the hood?

The engine of a car is its heart. Even small accumulations of dirt and oil can cause it. incorrect work. First of all, pollution affects the thermal regulation of the engine. As you know, the power unit mostly consists of metal elements. Thus, layers of dirt and oil accumulating on the walls of its elements can contribute to overheating. In addition, in the engine compartment there is also a radiator responsible for. Large layers of dirt, dust, insects accumulated on the radiator honeycombs will disrupt the heat exchange process.

Why wash your engine?

Consider the main reasons why it is worth monitoring the engine compartment and cleaning it in a timely manner.

Firstly, a power unit cleaned of dirt, oil and other contaminants in time will last much longer. The engine needs the correct operation of the cooling system, so it is important to monitor and clean it in a timely manner.

Secondly, the accumulation of dirt accelerates the wear of engine parts. Large layers of dirt and oil serve as the beginning of a corrosive process, as a result of which small metal parts of the elements enter the engine oil. Thus, these contaminants circulate throughout the engine system and settle inside. This leads to a strong reduction in the engine resource, which leads to a violation of its operation, loss specifications.

Thirdly, in addition to the power unit, under the hood there is a large number electronic systems. Contaminants can interfere with the operation of ignition systems. In addition, large layers of oil can lead to emergencies such as fire. Involuntary spark or impact exhaust gases may cause a fire.

I think that every car owner will agree that when opening the hood, it is much more pleasant to look at a clean engine.

Detergents

Any car, like a person, requires care and hygiene. Many motorists are wondering: “How to wash the engine?” Few people know that washing a power unit is a rather complicated process that requires certain knowledge. After all, cleanse engine compartment will not work with ordinary water and a brush. For the qualitative implementation of this process, it is necessary to resort to the use of specialized means for cleaning the engine.

Many motorists use water equipment to perform cleaning. high pressure. The problem is that a high-pressure jet can cause mechanical damage to electrical equipment, wiring, gaskets, which as a result can lead to engine failure. This method is fast, but there is a high risk of damage to electronic equipment and ignition systems.

In addition to the use of washing installations, the method of cleaning with various fuel compositions, such as kerosene, diesel fuel or gasoline, is also common among car owners. This method has a number of disadvantages. Gasoline - is the most unsafe of the above means. It is highly flammable and gives off explosive fumes.

Kerosene or diesel fuel, in comparison with gasoline, are the least safe for cleaning the walls of the motor. They have a small degree of ignition, but create other unpleasant problems. After washing with kerosene or diesel fuel, the heating walls of the engine will begin to evaporate acrid smoke. This method is the least safe, and the evaporating smoke from kerosene will bring discomfort to the owner and passengers of the car.

More experienced motorists use specialized detergents to clean the engine at home. Each tool is individual in its own way and has a different composition. This method is the most effective and safe, but even in this case, you need to be on the lookout. Chemicals can oxidize metal engine components, as well as destroy plastic and rubber elements.

There is a huge variety of detergents designed specifically for external washing of the engine. There are two main types of chemicals for washing the motor:

• Means for removing various types of dirt (universal).
• Means for removing a specific type of pollution, for example, to wash the engine of oil.

Such products are sold in the form of plastic or glass containers, or in the form of aerosols for spraying.

Chemicals are very individual, so it is very difficult to choose the most effective cleaning agent. In most cases, a one-time use of such compounds will not bring the desired result, so washing is carried out repeatedly. Before choosing such a remedy, it is necessary to carefully study its composition and it is better to give preference to more famous brands.

How to properly prepare a car for washing the engine compartment

Washing a car engine must be approached very responsibly, since this process requires knowledge of some features. Improper cleaning of the engine compartment can lead to disastrous consequences.

To begin with, you need to pre-select a place to park your car. The best place would be a garage. The choice of parking place is important, since after cleaning the car it is not recommended to operate it for 10-12 hours. The engine needs to dry out.

In addition, it is imperative to check all electrical components for damage. In no case should there be bare wires or other breaks and crevices where moisture can get into

Prepare in advance all improvised and necessary means for cleaning.

If the place for cleaning is chosen, all the rules are followed and improvised means are prepared, then you can start the cleaning process.

Step-by-step instructions for washing the power plant

To properly and without consequences to clean power plant you must adhere to the following rules and follow the instructions.

Step 1. Preparatory stage.

First you need to prepare in advance all improvised means. We will need: personal protective equipment, foil or polyethylene, adhesive tape, brush different sizes(medium and small, for hard-to-reach places), sponge, rag, cleaning agent, water container, container for collecting residual dirt.

Cleaning is carried out at an engine temperature of 50-60 degrees. If the engine has been started, then it is necessary to allow it to cool down to the desired temperature. Otherwise, you need to start and warm up the engine to the specified temperature.

After that, using the prepared polyethylene or foil, we close all the places where the electrical equipment is located and fix them with adhesive tape. Paying close attention to the sensor idle, because if you overdo it and fill it with water, then it can be.

Step 2. Precautions.

It is mandatory to use personal protective equipment. First of all, these are rubber gloves. Chemical cleaners can be harmful to the skin. In addition, contamination in the form of oil is very difficult to remove. Therefore, rubber gloves and a work uniform will be an integral part of this process.

Step 3: Apply the cleaner

We carefully get acquainted with the instructions of the purchased cleaner.

First you need to rinse all contaminated surfaces with a small amount of water. Then a chemical agent is applied. If the product is in the form of an aerosol, then it is simply sprayed on the necessary places. If the product is in the form of a solution, then it is applied with a sponge. To clean hard-to-reach places, we recommend using a toothbrush.

After application, we wait for the necessary time for the interaction of the cleaner with contaminants. The duration is usually indicated in the instructions.

Step 4. Safety measures and ecology.

First of all, you need to carefully apply the cleaner. These mixtures are highly flammable and explosive, so safety regulations must be observed.

In the process of washing, it is necessary to monitor cleanliness and not pollute the environment. The remains of dirt and oils, if possible, must be collected in a container specially prepared for this.

Step 5. Final stage

In conclusion, we wash all the places where the cleaner was applied. It will be convenient to use a hose with a small pressure of water. It is worth noting that it is necessary to rinse the engine compartment with caution, without getting into the places of electrical equipment, even though they are protected by polyethylene or foil.

After washing, we perform a visual inspection. If not all contaminants have been removed, then we carry out re-cleaning.

In order to wash the engine of oil and dirt, you do not need a lot of time and money. You just need to follow the instructions and rules, and then your engine will shine and will not fail at the right time.