Valves & Spark Plugs - Carbon Cleaning
Why do engine valves get dirty?
After each combustion cycle, valves gradually become clogged with carbon deposits. Although completely normal, excessive accumulation of soot can lead to the progressive deterioration of normal engine performance. Increased engine noise is another negative symptom of this issue. For most drivers, it is a difficult situation to assess firsthand since valves are not very accessible. Therefore, proper engine maintenance is imperative.
How to clean valves?
The most expensive operation is the dismantling and manual cleaning of the valves. This is what most mechanics will recommend. The price will vary according to the brand and engine type, however it is the cost of labor that takes the biggest financial toll since the valves are so difficult to access.
The least expensive option, with no need for disassembly and entailing the shortest service time, and which is an alternative to part replacement, is hydrogen treatment via the Carbon Cleaning station. This service works as a preventative treatment, recommended every 15,000 miles, but can also resolve existing problems in the engine.
How do spark plugs get dirty?
Correct ignition and complete combustion of the fuel-air mixture are the most important factors in determining engine efficiency and performance. To ensure proper ignition, the flow of sparks between the electrodes of each spark plug must occur at the right time in all circumstances and produce the correct ignition of the fuel-air mixture. It is essential that the type of spark plugs used correspond to the characteristics of the engine.
They must be hot enough to prevent saturation at low revs, but at the same time should not overheat and thus become a concern for pre-ignition, i.e. ignition of the gas mixture prior to the production of the spark. When spark plugs are in poor condition, or when spark plugs that do not correspond to the engine type are used, what results is a bad ignition of air-fuel gas mixture. This ultimately results in unbalanced combustion, in which case only a portion of the fuel is converted into energy. The unburned gasoline then passes through the piston rings and into the crankcase where it dilutes the engine oil. What’s left discharges through the exhaust system, polluting the air.
How to clean spark plugs
The most expensive option is the outright replacement of the part. This is what most mechanics will propose. The price of the component varies to the brand and type of spark plug.
The moderately expensive option entails a bit more time as well as some mechanical skills. This involves the removal and cleaning of the spark plugs with a wire brush. Make sure to check the electrode gap setting. For some vehicles, the spark plugs are not easily accessible.