Diesel intake clean
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Diesel intake clean
What is a diesel intake clean?
Vehicles that run on diesel fuel can accumulate deposits, such as carbon, resin, fuel & oil residue. Over time these deposits will build up in the intake, throttle body and engine. If left to accumulate these nasty deposits can turn into harmful black sludge and impede the airflow and operation of mechanical parts.
In modern diesel vehicles, exhaust gases are recirculated back into the engine, to reduce emissions. Recirculating gases, diesel fuel and oil will leave residue on the surfaces they come into contact with. Over time this build-up can become a problem, but regular cleaning can increase the performance of a diesel engine.
Cleaning solvents are used to dissolve and flush the deposits out of the intake system and engine without having to pull everything apart. Over the long term, regular diesel intake cleaning can save time, money and aid in maintaining vehicle reliability.
How to tell if you need to clean the diesel intake
When a diesel gradually builds up carbon over time, you might not notice the initial signs as performance slowly decreases but eventually the signs will become more noticeable and can’t be ignored. You may notice the vehicle is:
- knocking more than usual
- lacking in performance
- lagging on acceleration
- stalling or idling roughly
- using more fuel
How important is it to get a diesel intake cleaned?
If a vehicle runs on fuel then it needs compression, heat and oxygen to convert the fuel into mechanical energy - to create a big bang. The right air to fuel ratio is necessary for healthy engine operation, so if there is carbon build up in the air intake then the air won’t be flowing as freely as it should, mechanisms can get clogged up and it can create combustion problems for the engine.
Here are some benefits of cleaning a diesel intake:
- increased vehicle reliability
- improved performance
- freeing up of clogged parts and ensuring full mechanical operation
- reduced fuel consumption
How is a diesel intake clean carried out
Intake cleaners can come in different applications, foam, spray and liquids. These can be applied directly into the intake manifold and/or into the throttle body and EGR valve.
A mechanic will warm the engine up, apply the cleaner into the intake manifold/throttle body/EGR via the designated access point. They will run the engine and reapply if necessary. As the engine is running it is normal for smoke to come out of the exhaust as the cleaner and deposits are burnt off.
When using an intake cleaner on a diesel engine the mechanic will use a cleaner that is safe to use on vehicles with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and diesel particulate filter (DPF).
How much does a diesel intake clean cost?
To clean the intake on a diesel engine can cost in the tens of dollars and move into the hundreds. It depends on how dirty the intake system is and the time it takes to get it clean, so the vehicle is running well.
If the intake is really dirty an intake cleaner might not be enough. If that’s the case then the intake system components will need to be pulled apart and removed from the vehicle and then manually cleaned. Price would depend on the vehicle and how much work is involved to get it clean.
Where can you get a diesel intake clean?
A qualified diesel mechanic can carry out a diesel intake clean. An automotive servicing workshop or a mobile mechanic with diesel experience can take on this task.
A great way to search and book a local workshop or mobile mechanic for a diesel intake clean is through AutoGuru, there you can see customer reviews and choose and book the best local mechanic for you.
