SOAKING CYLINDERS TO CLEAN PISTON RINGS
Knowing how piston rings work and how to care for them is important for every vehicle owner, especially as engines age.
THE PURPOSE OF PISTON RINGS AND WHEN TO CLEAN THEM
Keeping your piston rings well-maintained is important for your engine’s performance. Worn rings can lead to combustion gas blow-by, which robs power and can contaminate oil. One common cause of blow-by is the development of carbon deposits in ring grooves. Intense heat can break down oil, forming deposits that cause rings to stick in their grooves, creating gaps for gases to pass through. Oil can also make it through these gaps, leading to oil burning and more buildup.
Here are some signs that your piston rings might need cleaning:
- INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION: If you find yourself frequently adding oil between changes, but there’s no indication of an external leak, it could mean that oil is leaking into the combustion chamber.
- POOR ACCELERATION. A noticeable decrease in acceleration might signal that the piston rings are not sealing properly, leading to a loss of engine power.
- EXCESSIVE EXHAUST SMOKE. Blue smoke from the exhaust can indicate that oil is burning in the combustion chamber, often a sign of worn or dirty piston rings.
HOW TO CLEAN PISTON RINGS
Carefully remove each spark plug, giving you access to the cylinders.
Spray a three-second burst of Sea Foam Spray into each cylinder, through the spark plug hole. Alternatively, you can pour about ¼ ounce of Sea Foam Motor Treatment into each cylinder, but it’s a more difficult process. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing the treatment to break down carbon deposits and grime around the piston rings. If you suspect your rings are stuck, let the Sea Foam work for 24 hours or longer.
Crank the engine a few times without starting it to help distribute the treatment throughout the cylinder. This step loosens up debris around the rings for a more thorough clean. If the engine has been unused for a long period of time and you’re concerned the rings are stuck to the cylinder walls, turn the engine over by hand following treatment, before trying to start it with the starter.
Once the treatment has done its job, reinstall the spark plugs.
Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Monitor for smoother performance, reduced oil consumption and less exhaust smoke — signs that your piston rings are functioning more effectively. Note that there will likely be excess smoke initially, as any remaining Sea Foam and dissolved contaminants burn off.
By following these steps, you can restore the functionality of your piston rings. It’s also important to keep up with regular oil changes to prevent sludge buildup and use quality fuel, as bad gas can contribute to cylinder deposits.
Keeping your piston rings clean is vital for maintaining your engine’s efficiency and performance. Regular maintenance, including the use of Sea Foam, can help extend the life of your engine and keep it running smoothly for many years to come.
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