In diesel engines, carbon buildup is fairly common. However, this symptom of incomplete combustion can lead to other issues, including engine failure.
Carbon buildup is especially prevalent in modern engines, specifically with direct injection engines. Due to air recirculation systems and other modern adaptations, soot and hydrocarbons often recirculate, leading to added deposits. Fortunately, knowing the cause gives you a starting point on how to solve carbon buildup.
What Is Carbon Buildup, and Why Does It Matter?
Carbon buildup is a deposit on engine components resulting from incomplete combustion. It mainly consists of substances like soot and hydrocarbons.
These deposits are a problem because they can lead to engine inefficiency and eventual component damage. Furthermore, the deposits increase the risk of engine knocking, preignition and similar issues.
This problem is particularly prevalent in direct injection diesel engines, where the injectors come into contact with fewer fluids.
Symptoms of Carbon Buildup in a Diesel Engine
You may see many potential symptoms of carbon buildup, including:
- Reduced fuel economy
- Excessive smoke production
- Unusual engine sounds
- Diminished engine performance
- Engine power loss
- Overheating
- Poor acceleration
In some cases, you may be able to look at the engine and see the carbon buildup. If you prefer to leave vehicle maintenance to your mechanic, consider taking your truck to a professional and mentioning that you think you need carbon cleaning for your diesel engine.
Causes of Carbon Buildup in Diesel Engines
There are many potential causes of carbon buildup in diesel engines, including:
- Subpar fuel quality: If you don’t invest in high-quality fuel, it may contain many impurities. Contaminants prevent the fuel from burning cleanly, leading to the buildup of carbon deposits.
- Problematic fuel injectors: If your fuel injectors are faulty, clogged or stuck, they prevent the adequate combination of fuel and air. This combination leads to increased carbon buildup due to incomplete combustion.
- Bad oil quality or irregular oil changes: If you don’t do regular oil changes or use subpar oil, it may cause carbon deposits. Higher-quality oils often contain formulated additives to reduce or remove carbon deposits.
- Problems with the turbochargers: If your engine is equipped with turbochargers, a malfunctioning turbocharger can lead to carbon buildup.
- Excessive engine braking: Engine braking — reducing gears and leveraging natural deceleration — regularly can lead to greater soot production.
- Extreme idling: If your truck idles often and for long periods, the incomplete combustion and lower operating temperatures lead to carbon buildup.
- Suboptimal operating conditions: Diesel engines are designed for longer trips and to operate at certain temperatures. When they’re predominantly used for short drives and don’t have time to reach optimal temperatures, incomplete combustion leads to carbon deposits.
There are many potential causes of carbon deposits and buildup. The key to avoiding related issues is to take precautions against and remove carbon buildup.
How to Remove Carbon Buildup in an Engine
If you ask how to get rid of carbon build up in an engine, you will discover a world of disparate answers. There’s no right or wrong answer, and most people find a solution that works for them.
Generally, we can split the possible methods of removal into two camps. You can either clean the engine manually or use a fuel additive with detergent properties.
The manual method involves removing and disassembling your engine before carefully removing the carbon deposits using solvents, scrapers and steel wool. After cleaning, carefully reassemble your engine and reinstall it.
When employing a detergent additive, you simply add the product to your fuel tank and allow it to break down carbon deposits. This approach is far less labor-intensive, and many additives have undergone rigorous testing that proves how effective they are at removing buildup. Plus, this option offers ongoing support for better performance. Here are some of our favorite products for preventing and removing carbon buildup in a direct injection or indirect injection engine.
Diesel Extreme
As a six-in-one premium diesel additive, Diesel Extreme is excellent for cleaning your fuel system. It works to eradicate diesel injector deposits before preventing further engine contamination.
The benefits of using Diesel Extreme regularly are numerous, including:
- Improved fuel consumption
- Restored throttle response
- Cleaned injector tips
- Less carbon deposits on the exhaust side
Thanks to highly specific detergents, this additive is an excellent product for preventing buildup and removing carbon deposits from your injectors.
Stiction Eliminator
When you utilize Stiction Eliminator, it can eliminate the varnish and deposits from the oil side of your engine. It’s a great way to eliminate various deposits from anything the oil touches. While this synthetic cleaner removes the residue from components, it will also improve lubricity and increase performance.
If keeping diesel engine oil clean is a strong consideration for you, this product is an excellent maintenance solution.
Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT)
If your vehicle uses ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), try Everyday Diesel Treatment, a six-in-one product that improves lubricity and performance while protecting system components. It helps to prevent carbon issues by improving efficiency.
High-Quality Fuel and Oil
When it comes to carbon buildup, what you put into your vehicle matters. The higher the quality of your fuel and oil, the fewer impurities will stay behind. While it may cost slightly more in the short term, you’ll reap the benefits in terms of lower maintenance and repair costs over time.
Stop Carbon in Its Tracks With Hot Shot’s Secret
Carbon buildup can have a range of effects on your engine, ranging from relatively minor results in the short term to lasting damage. If left long enough, carbon buildup may result in total engine failure.
The best option for your engine is to be proactive about treating and cleaning carbon buildup. This approach has many advantages, including improved fuel efficiency and reduced wear. Shop Diesel Extreme, Stiction Eliminator and EDT to improve performance and protect your engine.
FAQs
What is the best way to remove carbon from a diesel engine?
The best way to eliminate carbon deposits is to use a formulated fuel additive with a high degree of detergency. We recommend trying Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme, which removes internal and external diesel injector deposits, as well as varnishes.
Does carbon buildup cause power loss?
Yes, carbon buildup leads to a range of different issues, including power loss. It may also cause hesitation, hard starting and misfiring.