carbon buildup

Spark Plug Reading - How Do I Read, the Condition of My Spark Plugs

Spark Plug Reading: How To Do It: What It Can Tell You

03/03/2026

Spark plug reading is easy to do, and can be a valuable tuning aid. Because, you can determine a great deal about your engine’s, overall operating condition. Usually, just by examining the plugs insulator color. […]

Sticking Valves Because Of Carbon Deposits And Rich Fuel Mixture

12/12/2025

The first sign of sticking valves is usually, engine misfires or running rough when cold. However, sticking valves can also be, the byproduct of cold weather operation. In this case, the sticking valves will often […]

Engine Knocking – Pinging – Rattling Noise – Most Common Causes

06/23/2025

Are you hearing an annoying, engine knocking, pinging or rattling noise, when you accelerate your engine. For instance, knocking, when working hard under load, like driving uphill, passing a slowpoke or towing a trailer. Then, […]

Carbon Deposits On Back Of The Intake Valves

Carbon Deposits in Engines: Causes, Effects, and Prevention

12/14/2024

So, carbon deposits are formed, by the black soot that collects, and hardens in your engine. Consequently, every engine produces carbon. But, some engines are worse than others. So, the reason all engines have carbon, […]

PCV Valve System: This Is Where Crankcase Gases Get Recycled

08/27/2024

So, the PCV valve system, is one of the oldest and most used emission control devices, in today’s engines. And, although its name might sound very complicated, it is a very simple device. The PCV Valve […]

PCV Valve: How Does It Work, Failure Signs, How To Test It

08/26/2024

Knowing how the PCV valve actually works, is the first step in diagnosing a bad or failing one. When your engine is running, thousands of powerful explosions take place, to release the fuel energy. But, […]

Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System: What Does It Do

08/25/2024

First of all, the (PCV) System is the short form or common name, for the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System. So, the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system, is basically a one way passage. And, is […]

(PCV) System: One Of The Biggest Causes, Of Engine Oil Sludge

08/22/2024

Did you know the most common problem, in the (PCV) system, is a plugged up (PCV) valve. Another problem, is a lack of air flow, to carry vapors, away from the crankcase. Because, without air […]

Engine Spark Knock Images Showing Normal and Premature Combustion

Engine Spark Knock: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

07/08/2024

Engine spark knock, sounds like a metallic knocking, pinging or rattling noise, coming from your engine. Engine spark knock, is usually heard, during moderate to heavy engine acceleration. And, usually occurs after the engine, has […]

Gasoline Direct Injection Image Spraying Fuel into Cylinder

(GDI) Gasoline Direct Injection: How It Works and Its Benefits

07/01/2024

(GDI) is a fuel injection system that sprays gasoline, directly into the combustion chamber. So, (GDI) uses a separate fuel injector, for each cylinder. As a result, this allows for direct access, to the combustion […]