Carbon Cleaning
Comprehensive Carbon Cleaning Solutions for Peak Engine Performance
Restore your engine’s performance and efficiency with our advanced carbon cleaning services.
At Llandow Tuning, we offer a range of carbon cleaning techniques, including walnut blasting, chemical treatments, ultrasonic cleaning, and steam cleaning, tailored to suit your vehicle's needs.
In addition to removing stubborn carbon deposits, we also offer solutions like EGR blanking to help prevent buildup and ensure long-term reliability.
Carbon buildup is the enemy of any modern EFI Diesel or Petrol Engine. It will result in complete engine failure if left unchecked.
At Llandow Tuning, our carbon cleaning solutions not only restore performance but also help prevent future build-up. Let us help your engine run like new again.
Why Does Carbon Build Up on Engines?
Carbon build-up is a common issue in modern internal combustion engines, particularly in direct injection (DI) petrol and diesel engines. Over time, carbon deposits form inside the intake system, on intake valves, and in the combustion chamber, leading to reduced performance, poor fuel economy, misfires, and drivability issues.
What Causes Carbon Build-Up?
- ✅ Direct Injection (DI) vs. Port Injection – Unlike traditional port-injected engines, DI engines don’t have fuel washing over the intake valves, leading to oil vapors and contaminants sticking to them.
- ✅ Blow-By Gases & PCV System – The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system recirculates crankcase gases back into the intake, carrying oil mist and combustion byproducts that form deposits.
- ✅ Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System – Diesel and petrol engines use EGR to reduce NOx emissions, but this process introduces soot and hydrocarbons into the intake, causing excessive carbon build-up.
- ✅ Short Journeys & Low-Load Driving – Vehicles that do frequent short trips or low-RPM driving don’t reach temperatures high enough to burn off carbon deposits.
- ✅ Poor Fuel Quality & Additives – Lower-grade fuels lack the necessary detergents to prevent carbon formation, while excessive ethanol content can also contribute to build-up.
Effects of Carbon Build-Up
- ✅ Reduced Power & Throttle Response – Deposits restrict airflow, reducing engine efficiency.
- ✅ Increased Fuel Consumption – The ECU compensates for restricted airflow by injecting more fuel.
- ✅ Rough Idle & Misfires – Uneven air distribution causes hesitation and misfires.
- ✅ Turbocharger Issues – Carbon can build up in turbo vanes or wastegate mechanisms, affecting boost control.
- ✅ MAF Fault Codes – MAF fault codes are very common, don't replace the MAF without real diagnostics.
How to Prevent & Remove Carbon Build-Up
- ✅ Regular High-Load Driving – Occasional hard acceleration helps burn off minor deposits.
- ✅ Fuel Additives – Some high-quality fuel cleaners help reduce build-up over time.
- ✅ Catch Cans – Installing an oil catch can reduces oil mist entering the intake.
- ✅ Manual Cleaning (Walnut Blasting) – Severe build-up may require intake cleaning or walnut blasting.
- ✅ EGR & PCV Optimization – Adjustments can reduce excessive EGR flow or modify PCV operation to minimize future carbon accumulation.
Does Your Car Have Carbon Build-Up?
If you notice loss of power, increased fuel consumption, or rough idling, carbon build-up could be the cause.
Contact us at Llandow Tuning to discuss potential solutions, from preventative maintenance to full intake cleaning services.