How To Remove and Make clean Carbon Build Up in non-OHV Small-scale Engines

What are Carbon Deposits?

One by-product of combustion is carbon, the black soot that can collect and harden on the cylinder head, cylinder wall, piston and valves. Carbon deposits in the combustion chamber can impact engine performance, resulting in higher oil consumption, engine knocking or overheating.

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Removing Engine Components for Cleaning

The first footstep in cleaning the cylinder head is getting access to the cylinder head. Y'all may need to remove some other components starting time.

  1. Unhook the spark plug wire and secure it, removing whatsoever batteries if equipped.

  2. Remove the muffler, muffler guard and whatsoever other components that block admission to the cylinder. If you're unsure how to remove the muffler, follow our guide.

  3. Cylinder head bolts nigh the muffler and exhaust port may be longer. To avoid confusion, fix a template. Draw a rough outline of the cylinder head on a piece of paper-thin and punch holes for each commodities location. Then, remove the cylinder head bolts and insert them in the respective holes.

  4. Lift off the cylinder caput. If the head sticks, strike it on the side with a nylon-faced hammer. This should loosen the cylinder head enough for you lot to gently lift if off the engine.NOTE: Practice not pry off the cylinder head. This can damage the surface of the engine block or the cylinder head.

  5. Remove and discard the onetime head gasket.

Removing Carbon Buildup

Warning: Always habiliment protective eyewear and solvent-proof gloves when removing carbon. Ask your Authorized Briggs & Stratton Dealer to recommend an all-purpose solvent that will not harm aluminum or plastic components or leave unwanted residues.

  1. Place the piston at the top dead middle and then that the valves are closed. And so, scrape carbon gently from the cylinder head, using a wooden or plastic scraper. Take care not to dig the scraper into the aluminum. On stubborn deposits, utilise a putty knife, wire brush or steel wool, taking care not to bear down on the metal surfaces.

  2. Clean away the remaining carbon with solvent, using fine steel wool to smooth crude spots. You can also soak metal parts for up to xv minutes to remove stubborn deposits. Scrape again, if necessary, to loosen stubborn grit. Then, make clean the area thoroughly with the solvent and fix the head aside. With the piston still at the superlative of the cylinder and the valves closed, use the same method to remove carbon deposits from the piston and the end of the cylinder.

  3. Turn the crankshaft to open up each valve, and advisedly remove any visible carbon deposits on the valves and valve seats, using only a contumely wire brush.CAUTION: Do not let grit to fall into the valve chambers or between the piston and the cylinder wall.

  4. Inspect the valves and valve seats to see if they are cracked, crude or warped. Bring damaged parts to an authorized service dealer for inspection before reassembling the head.

  5. Using a scraper, solvent or both, remove whatsoever remaining carbon and residual left behind by the head gasket on the cylinder caput and engine block. Clean the surfaces thoroughly before installing the new caput gasket. Whatsoever droppings or oil left on the cylinder head or engine block may prevent a tight seal and crusade eventual engine damage.

Re-assembling the Cylinder Head

  1. Audit the surfaces of the engine block, cylinder head and new head gasket to be sure they are make clean.

  2. Place the new head gasket in position on the engine cake. Exercise not use sealing compounds.

  3. Set the cylinder head on the head gasket, aligning the cylinder head with the gasket and the engine block.

  4. Remove each head bolt from its slot in the cardboard template. And so, insert the bolt in its original location, leaving it loose. Insert the other bolts in the same manner. Make certain to attach any housings or brackets that are held in place past the head bolts.

  5. Hand-tighten the caput bolts first, without using a wrench.

  6. Tighten the cylinder head bolts in increments, using a torque wrench (service part number 19393). Turn each commodities a few turns, then proceed to the side by side bolt until each commodities is just snug. For final tightening, utilize a torque wrench. Proceed in increments or roughly one-3rd the last torque. Consult your small-scale engine manual for last torque specifications. Notation: Avoid tightening a single commodities all the manner before tightening the other bolts. Uneven tightening is probable to warp the cylinder head.

WARNING: Ever read the engine and equipment manual(due south) before starting, operating, or servicing your engine or equipment to avert personal injury or property damage. Come across an authorized dealer if you are unsure of whatever procedure or have additional questions.

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