Did you find your car’s engine dirty because of oil sticking? Yes, this is a problem that you could have with your vehicle. One reason for that happening is irregular or incorrect maintenance. Therefore, I will share information on how to clean oil residue on a car engine.
Greasy and dirty car engine |
Causes of Oil Crust on the Engine
Your car’s engine needs oil to run correctly—the oil functions as a lubricant to reduce friction between engine components. So, no excess heat is generated. The oil change is significant in maintaining engine performance.
Sometimes, when the engine is working, there is oil left on the sidelines of the engine block components and causes piles of carbon crust. Dirt from oil will accumulate and interfere with engine performance. Even in the long run, it can damage the engine.
crusty oil on a car engine |
Also, incomplete combustion causes the accumulation of crusty oil in the combustion chamber. The reason is the use of fuel that is incompatible with the engine or low fuel quality.
Dust or dirt entering the engine room will precipitate and worsen the oil condition, causing piles of oil residue.
If you delay periodic maintenance or have never checked the engine’s cleanliness, then the risk of problems with the oil sludge will be even higher. As a result, your car’s performance will continue to decline.
Engine Cleaner Fluids
Three cleaners you can use to clean the engine, as follows:
1. Engine conditioner foam
The foam-shaped engine conditioner will clean the combustion chamber by spraying it.
2. Engine degreaser
Engine degreaser is a variety of solvents with a stiffer texture to clean dirt or clogs outside.
3. Engine Flush
An engine flush is a special detergent that can clean dirt and remove crusty oil in the engine crankcase and oil lines. Flush engine fluid is usually sold in cans.
So you can use the engine flush to clean up oil impurities attached to the engine efficiently or spilled oil off the engine, and you can also do it yourself at home without having to come to the car service.
How to Use a Flush Engine to Clean Oil Residues
The following are the steps to clean your car engine using engine flush:
1. First, start the car for 15 minutes
2. Next, remove the engine flush fluid through the oil drain. In addition to removing oil residue on the engine, the engine flush can also clean the sludge and carbon attached to the piston ring because it has reliable cleaning power.
An engine flush is recommended for every oil filter change if the vehicle has reached 70,000 kilometers. However, you don’t need an engine flush if you always do routine maintenance and use the fuel recommended by the carmaker.
Clean the engine room
Besides cleaning the inside, don’t forget to clean stubborn dirt in the engine room, such as residue or hardened oil hatches. You can clean it with engine degrease fluid, which I have explained above, and don’t forget to check all parts that are tightly closed.
You spray the engine degrease liquid on the dirty part and leave it for a couple of minutes. Next, brush using soapy water and flush with running water until clean. Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to avoid scratches that can damage the car’s engine.
Don’t forget to clean the hard parts, such as the machine’s hidden inner side. Use a brush or brush to reach the parts. After cleaning it with soap, rinse thoroughly and make sure all engine components are free of foam.
The last process is to dry the engine room to avoid water spots that can become rust if you left it unchecked. Use a chamois cloth or a dry microfiber cloth.
Don’t cover the hood for 2-3 hours and allow the engine parts to dry completely. To speed up the drying process, you can start the car so that the engine gets warm.
Besides cleaning, you should always maintain the engine and car’s condition so that crusty oil does not occur.
The trick is to do regular maintenance. Also, be sure always to use fuel that is compatible with your car’s engine technology.