EdupradaEngine descaling is an in-depth intervention on your vehicle to eliminate encrusted carbon. This mixture of soot and unburned particles will clog many parts essential to the proper functioning of the engine and in particular to its good combustion. Find out in this article the usefulness of descaling, when it should be done and the possible problems that can arise if it has been done incorrectly!
What are the consequences of poorly carried out engine descaling?
In certain cases, engine descaling may be poorly carried out and this will affect the proper functioning of the vehicle. Indeed, depending on the make and model of car, it is necessary to adjust the descaling power and do it carefully.
If engine descaling was not carried out correctly, you may face the following consequences:
- An anti-pollution system that does not work correctly : if descaling has not properly cleaned the engine system, the system will produce more pollution;
- Engine overheating : a dirty engine will tend to overheat, it is possible that certain parts are completely clogged with carbon;
- Using the engine in degraded mode : in order to preserve the various mechanical elements, the engine can operate in degraded mode;
- A lot of black smoke comes out of the exhaust : this symptom is common to engine clogging, this means that the descaling did not have the desired effect;
- An unusual noise occurs : if a part has been damaged by descaling , there may be residues of it in the ducts. So, you may hear a clicking, grinding or metallic noise while traveling on board.
Engine descaling: is it really useful?
Engine descaling will be useful if your engine system has become clogged over time. It can be preventive or curative . For example, if you have used poor quality fuel , descaling is essential to remove all the residue present in the engine parts and the exhaust system . In the case of intensive cleaning, the mechanic will carry out either chemical or hydrogen descaling depending on the type of station his workshop has.
However, if your engine has significant malfunctions, descaling will be manual. It consists of dismantling each part of the engine to clean it using a brush and an additive. This method makes it possible in particular to check that there are no residues of broken or damaged parts in the circuit.
Descaling will be particularly useful if you encounter certain manifestations on your vehicle. In fact, the following symptoms may indicate significant clogging:
- Difficulty starting your vehicle;
- Black smoke occurs when you start;
- Vibrations occur when your car is braking;
- Increasing fuel consumption compared to usual.
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Should engine descaling be carried out before or after oil change?
Engine descaling will dissolve the carbon accumulated in the engine intake system . So, when the pistons start moving, it will come into contact with the oil and contaminate it. Even if the latter is protected by the oil filter , carbon deposits can be deposited at the bottom of the engine oil pan.
This is why it is strongly recommended to carry out engine descaling before draining your engine oil and changing the oil filter that goes with it. Indeed, as there will be no more carbon, the oil filter as well as the oil will be completely protected from impurities . Whereas if you drain before descaling, there is a good chance that scale will be deposited in the crankcase.
When should an engine descaling be done?
No particular frequency is given regarding the carrying out of descaling on your vehicle. However, cars with diesel engines are more prone to engine clogging and this operation must occur more frequently.
Engine descaling must be carried out as soon as you observe a drop in engine performance and clogging. To do this, you will need to contact a professional in an automobile mechanic workshop. It is also necessary that not all garages offer this operation because they must be equipped with dedicated tools with a descaling station .