Engine Decarbonization: What It Is And Why It Is Important

Car performance decreases over time due to component wear and vehicle ageing. One way to mitigate this situation is to decarbonize your engine.

Engine decarbonization, or engine flushing, is a task that must be performed on all parts that come into direct contact with the internal combustion process. This process enables you to recover part of the lost performance.

Keep reading the article to understand what it is, how it is done, and how to know if your engine needs decarbonising.

 

What is Engine Decarbonization?

Engine decarbonization is a process that seeks to remove excess carbon deposits produced by burning fuels with the aim of improving vehicle performance.

Both diesel and petrol engines accumulate carbon deposits inside their cylinders during a certain period. This accumulation of carbon happens for several reasons, such as:

• Accumulation of waste due to usage time of the vehicle;
• Burnt oil;
• Inferior fuel quality;
• Improper burning of fuel.

Coal deposits as soot around the exhaust valves, exhaust, cylinder head, piston, intake, and other parts. As a result, it may impair the normal functioning of these components.

 

What is the purpose of Engine Decarbonization?

Coal deposits as soot around the exhaust valves, in the exhaust, cylinder head, piston, and other parts. This may impair the normal functioning of these components.

The decarbonization of the engine is carried out to avoid anomalies, as is the treatment of some parts, such as:

• Combustion chambers;
• Manifold;
• Injectors;
• Exhaust pipe (catalyst, particulate filters, among others).
• Turbo;
• EGR valve;
• Valves.

 

When should you Decarbonize your Engine?

It is recommended that engines are flushed every 300,000 km to preserve vehicle components and improve their performance.

In addition, this process should be carried out whenever vehicle owners think it’s necessary to do so.

 

 

How do you Know if you Need to Decarbonize your Engine?

Certain signs that indicate that you need to flush your engine, such as:

• Increased fuel consumption;
• Abnormal noises;
• Noisy exhaust;
• Paste forming in the crankcase and oil pump clogging;
• Uneven idling;
• Low power when overtaking and going uphill.

 

How do you Decarbonize an Engine?

Two processes can be used to clean a vehicle engine: a mechanical process or one involving the use of chemicals.

The choice of method will largely depend on the state of the engine.

 

1. Mechanical Decarbonization

Mechanical or physical decarbonization takes place when excess carbon accumulates in the engine.

For this process, you need to open the cylinder head, remove the intake and exhaust valves, and scrape the carbon deposits off the manifolds, valves, and heads.

This is a time-consuming, laborious, and expensive process, as it involves high labour costs.

To avoid this procedure, it is recommended that the engine undergo regular preventive maintenance.

 

2. Chemical Decarbonization

Chemical engine decarbonization uses a specific cleaner or additive to decarbonise diesel or petrol engines, flushing out the interior of an engine.

Although certain products allow you to carry out this process at home, the best course of action is for an experienced mechanic to clean the engine.

 

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How do you Decarbonize your Engine at Home?

If you want to clean your engine using products that decarbonize your engine, you should:

• Find a well-ventilated location and start your car engine;
• Once your engine is warm, place the product you have chosen in the oil container and wait for it to mix with the oil;
• Over 5 minutes, accelerate your car gradually until it reaches 1200 RPM on a diesel or 1800 RPM on a petrol car;
• Repeat the process for another 5 minutes, this time up to 1800 RPM or 2800 RPM respectively;
• Slow your car down gradually until you stop pressing down on the accelerator;
• Keep your car idling for 5 minutes;
• Repeat the process;
• Change the engine oil as soon as you have finished the process, as it loses its characteristic properties when mixed with the decarbonization products.

 

What are the Advantages of Engine Decarbonization?

The main benefits are:

• Increased life span of the car;
• Increased engine performance, resulting in increased power;
• Fuel savings;

Up to 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

 

How do you Slow Engine Decarbonization Down?

You can avoid needing to flush your engine by performing preventive and periodic maintenance. However, there are also specific steps you can take to avoid your engine carbonating:

• Avoid leaving your car idling, including keeping it still to warm up when you turn it on, as this damages the engine;
• Avoid short trips, as the engine does not reach the optimum operating temperature;
• Change the oil and oil filter with the frequency determined by the manufacturer;

Use additives or opt for additive fuel to improve lubrication and engine protection.

 

How Much Does Decarbonizing an Engine Cost?

It all depends on which method you choose. If you choose to do the chemical process at home, the price varies between 15 and 40 euros. If you opt to take your car to a garage, the price can vary between 300 and 1500 euros, depending on several factors.

If your vehicle needs mechanical or physical decarbonization, the price can easily exceed 1500 euros, as it is a rather lengthy procedure.

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