How to Remove Carbon Deposits

Over the life of your car's engine, deposits build up causing strange sounds as well as a loss of performance. When carbon builds up in an engine, it can impact the vehicle's longevity. Using a cleaner to remove carbon build up in the engine will clean the build up and increase the life of your engine and all the parts inside it.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 cans Seafoam carbon cleaner
  • 1 can Seafoam spray deep cleaner
  • Long thin funnel
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Pliers

Treat The Gas and Oil

  • Fill up your gas tank with at least 91+ octane gas or higher. Add one can of Seafoam, or a similar cleaner, to your gas tank using the thin funnel. This will prevent cleaner from being spilled on your car. Drive your car to properly mix the cleaner into the gas in your tank. This will begin the cleaning process by removing building in your gas line and fuel injectors.

  • Pour one half of the second can of cleaner in with your oil. Do this when the car is cold. This will begin the cleaning process for the crankcase.

  • Change the oil in the car after 100 to 200 miles of driving. Do not exceed 250 miles before changing the oil. When this oil is changed is will appear thicker and blacker than usual. This is normal after this type of cleaning.

Engine Treatment

  • Start your car and allow it to idle for 5 to 10 minutes.

  • Locate and disengage the brake booster line using your pliers and flat head screwdriver. Consult your owner's manual for the location of this line.

  • Pour two-thirds of the cleaner into the line while the car is running. Do this slowly so your engine does not stall. Add the last third quickly so the engine does stall and there is some cleaner not in the block. Your engine and exhaust may be smoking some, this is a normal part of the cleaning process. If the car does not stall, turn the engine off immediately after adding the last of the cleaner and leave the car off for 15 to 20 minutes.

  • Locate the hose going into the throttle body and disconnect it. Press down on the gas peddle, use something heavy to hold it down if you are on your own.

  • Spray the deep cleanser into the throttle assemble making sure to give the inside a good coating. Reconnect all hoses and after 30 minutes, take the car for a 30 minute drive to clean out the rest of the carbon.