Nagaroformation is a natural physicochemical process that occurs in any hydrocarbon-fueled internal combustion engine, and over time, solid deposits form on the walls of the combustion chamber, the bottom of the piston and the valves, which significantly alters the thermal mode of the power unit, and ignoring this phenomenon leads to lower power, increased fuel consumption and, ultimately, costly overhauls.
Modern combustion-washing This is a complex procedure to remove coke deposits without completely disassembling the engine, which, unlike surface cleaning, directly affects the ignition zone of the fuel-air mixture, and properly decarbonized can restore compression, eliminate detonation and reduce exhaust toxicity.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the cleaning methods, the chemical composition of the fluids used, and the impact of various technologies on the life of the engine, you will learn why some methods can be dangerous, and how to choose the best option for your car.
Causes of the formation of soot in the engine
The main cause of solid sediment is incomplete combustion of the fuel-air mixture. Under ideal conditions, hydrocarbons oxidize completely, turning into water and carbon dioxide. However, in a real engine, especially when operating in an urban cycle, conditions are far from ideal. Low temperatures, a rich mixture and frequent idle time contribute to the deposition of carbon on hot surfaces.
The second critical factor is the state of the lubrication system, which is that the oil that enters the combustion chamber through worn-out oil caps or stiff rings burns, leaving behind lacquer plaque and coke, which has a low thermal conductivity, which creates a thermos effect. The temperature in the combustion chamber can locally increase by 200-300 degrees Celsius, provoking early ignition of the mixture (potassium ignition).
The quality of the fuel used also plays a role, with resins, sulfur and metal additives in gasoline or diesel speeding up the process of coking, and direct-injection (GDI, TFSI) engines are less affected by the intake valves because they don't wash them, but they are even more heavily stained by the high temperatures and pressures.
⚠️ Warning: Operating a thick-coal engine may cause the valves or piston to burn due to overheating. If you hear a ringing knock during a sharp acceleration (knock), checking the combustion chamber is mandatory.
The effect of deposits on the work of the power unit
The accumulation of coke changes the geometric parameters of the combustion chamber. It decreases its volume, which leads to an increase in the compression ratio. This, in turn, shifts the octane number of fuel required. The engine designed for 95 gasoline, on the coked engine, begins to detonate even at the 98th. Electronic control unit (ECU) tries to adjust the angle of ignition advance, but its possibilities are not unlimited, which leads to loss of traction.
Another problem is the kalyl ignition: red-hot charcoal particles act like glow plugs, igniting the mixture ahead of time. This causes the crank-shaking mechanism to overload; vibrations become stronger; idling is unstable; in diesel engines, nagar often causes difficult start-ups in the cold season and increased smoke.
List of the main symptoms indicating the need for cleaning:
- 📉 A noticeable drop in power and engine reception during acceleration.
- 💸 Increase fuel consumption by 10-15% without changing driving style.
- 🔊 The appearance of metal knocking (detonation) under load.
- 🌫️ Unstable idling, floating turns.
Chemicals for decoking
The automotive chemicals market offers a wide range of engine cleaning products, all of which fall into two main groups: soft purifiers added to the oil and aggressive solvents poured directly into the cylinders. The former act incrementally, softening deposits over 100 to 200 km of run, the latter are designed for rapid, impact cleaning.
Aggressive compounds are usually based on a mixture of organic solvents, kerosene and alcohols, which can dissolve even old, sintered coke, but their use requires strict adherence to technology, since the introduction of large amounts of active substance into the crankcase can lead to a critical change in the properties of motor oil. Decoxing This is often done before replacing the oil and filters.
Comparison of popular types of cleaners:
| Type of instrument | Method of application | Efficiency | Safety for the gums |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft cleaner (in butter) | Addition to the crankcase before replacement | Low/Medium | High. |
| Aggressive solvent | Filling in cylinders | High. | Medium (risk of swelling) |
| foam-cleaner | Through the candle hole | Medium | High. |
| Hydrogen flushing | Gas feed into the inlet | High (surface) | Absolute. |
The Dimexid myth
Should we use dimexide to decoct? This drug does dissolve many types of plastic and soda, but it is extremely aggressive against rubber seals and paint. Using dimexide can destroy the oil caps and get their particles into the oil pipes, which will cause oil starvation.
Technology of the procedure yourself
The most common method is to wash through candle holes, which requires the engine to be warmed to operating temperature to ensure maximum thermal clearance of the pistons and to activate the chemical reaction, then the candles are twisted out and the pistons are placed in the middle position.
Each cylinder is filled with a certain amount of cleaning liquid (usually 30-50 ml) through a syringe or tube. After that, the candles are swirled back (or the holes are simply closed with a rag so that the vapors do not evaporate), and the engine is left for a time of 1 to 12 hours depending on the instructions for the tool. Periodically, the crankshaft is recommended to be rotated so that the liquid penetrates all the nooks.
☑️ Checklist before the start of work
After exposure, the liquid is pumped out by a syringe, and the engine is scrolled by a candle-free starter for 5-10 seconds, which is necessary to remove the solvent residue from the cylinders. Then new candles are installed (old ones should not be used, as they could become dirty), and the engine starts. The first minutes of operation can be accompanied by smoke from the exhaust pipe - this burns out the smelves and residues of chemistry.
⚠️ Warning: When scrolling with a candleless starter, be sure to turn off the ignition coils or the center wire so as not to break through the ignition module. Also make sure that the spark does not slip into open wells - the gasoline and solvent vapors are easily ignited.
Risks and possible consequences for the engine
Although it seems simple, the procedure carries certain risks: aggressive chemistry can damage rubber seals of valves and piston rings. If the rings were coked and kept compressed, cleaning them can lead to less leakiness and a smear of oil. In some cases, replacement of the rings immediately after washing is required.
Another risk is hydraulic shock, and if you put too much liquid in the cylinder and try to turn the engine, the incompressible substance can break the rod or deform the head of the block, so the scroll stage with the starter without candles is critical. Hydraulic impact It is able to instantly disable the engine, turning the preventive procedure into the cause of major repairs.
Also, consider the condition of the catalyst: When burning a large amount of carbon, the combustion products can clog the cells of the catalytic converter, especially if it has already been worn out, which will lead to an increase in backpressure in the exhaust system and loss of power.
The main risk of decoking is not the charcoal itself, but a sharp change in the working conditions of the piston rings. If after the procedure, the oil consumption increased, then the rings lost mobility or wore out, and the chemistry will not help.
Alternative cleaning methods
There are less invasive ways to control the carbon, such as adding special decarbonizers to the fuel, which are gentle, burning the carbon during the ride, and the effect is not immediate, but the risk of damage to the engine is minimal, and this is suitable for regular prevention.
Another modern method is hydrogen flushing, which is a special generator that delivers combustible gas (oxygen and hydrogen) into the intake manifold of the running engine, the combustion temperature rises, and the carbon burns out naturally, and it's safe for rubber parts, and it allows you to clean not only the combustion chamber, but also the valves and even the catalyst.
Comparison of methods for efficiency and safety:
- 💧 Filling in cylinders: High efficiency, medium risk for oil oils.
- 🛢️ Additives in oil: Low efficiency against old coar, high safety.
- ⚡ Hydrogen cleaning: Average efficiency, absolute safety, requires equipment.
To prevent the formation of coal, try to periodically load the engine. Prolonged driving at low speeds in the city contributes to coking, while driving along the highway at high speeds helps to self-clean the combustion chamber.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should the combustion chamber be washed?
Preventive cleaning is recommended every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, but the frequency depends on driving style and fuel quality, and if you are often stuck in traffic or using fuel of questionable quality, the interval can be reduced to 40,000 kilometers.
Will the rinse help if the engine is already eating oil?
If the oil is being drained by piston rings from coke, then flushing can help to free the rings and reduce the carbon monoxide, but if the oil caps are choked or the rings are worn mechanically, the chemistry will be powerless and repairs will be needed.
Do I need to change the oil immediately after the scaling?
Yes, it's a requirement. Aggressive solvents that drain into the crankcase are mixed with the oil and drastically reduce its lubricating properties. It's not allowed to operate the engine with this oil. After the procedure, you need to replace the oil and the oil filter.
Can I wash the engine without turning the candles?
It is impossible to wash the combustion chamber properly without access to cylinders. Adding chemicals to fuel or oil does not have the same effect as pouring directly into cylinders, since the concentration of the substance is too low to dissolve solid sodium.