Why Do You Need to Clean Your Car's Intake Manifold Regularly?

car intake
Latest update date: February 12, 12

Car intake manifold is an essential component in the engine system, playing a role in regulating the amount of air entering the combustion chamber, contributing to improving efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and supporting the operation of the electronic control system.

According to research by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), about 40% of cars have problems with fuel consumption and poor performance due to dirt buildup in the intake manifold.

A dirty intake manifold is often caused by carbon build-up from incomplete combustion, oil vapors from the PCV system, environmental dirt from poor air filtration, poor quality fuel, and recirculated exhaust gas from the EGR system carrying impurities.

Ignoring regular intake manifold cleaning can lead to a host of problems such as engine weakness, increased fuel consumption, difficulty starting, increased toxic emissions, sensor and valve failure, reduced engine life, and jerking and unusual noise while driving.

Signs that the intake manifold needs cleaning are: the vehicle runs poorly, consumes more fuel, is difficult to start, the “Check Engine” light is on, black exhaust smoke with a burning smell and the engine makes unusual noises.

Regular cleaning of the intake manifold helps ensure stable engine performance, reduce fuel consumption, prolong engine life, improve driving experience and limit polluting emissions. This part can be cleaned using a chaff blaster or CO2 dry ice.

Let's learn about the importance of clean intake manifold right here!

car intake
Car intake: details A-Z

What is a Car Intake Manifold? What is its Use?

The throttle body is an important part of the engine system, responsible for controlling the amount of air entering the combustion chamber. This part has a basic structure including a butterfly valve, a position sensor and electronic connections.

The function of the car intake is to control the amount of air entering the engine, optimize performance, save fuel and support the control system.

  • Air volume control: The intake manifold controls the amount of air entering the engine, ensuring the air-fuel mixture is at the correct ratio.
  • Increase engine performance: Improve engine performance by providing the right amount of air for each operating condition.
  • Fuel saving: Helps the engine operate more efficiently, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption.
  • Control system support: Linked with the electronic control system to automatically adjust the butterfly valve, suitable for the speed and load of the vehicle.

What Causes Car Intake Manifolds to Be Dirty?

Car intake manifolds are dirty mainly due to carbon deposits from incomplete combustion, oil vapors from the PCV system, use of poor quality fuel, dirt from the outside environment and exhaust gas containing residue from the EGR system.

1. Carbon accumulation from incomplete combustion

As the engine runs, a small amount of fuel may not be completely burned, creating carbon deposits that stick to the intake manifold. These deposits gradually build up into a thick layer, obstructing the flow of air into the combustion chamber.

2. Oil vapor from the crankcase ventilation (PCV) system

The PCV system recirculates oil vapor back to the intake manifold for combustion. However, this oil vapor can contain many impurities, which over time adhere to the intake manifold surface, causing deposits.

In the technical report 'PCV System Effects on Engine Performance' (USA) it is shown that 35% of intake manifold contamination cases originate from oil sludge in the PCV system.”

3. Using poor quality fuel

Fuel containing impurities or substandard additives can leave behind residue after combustion, leading to fouling of the intake manifold. This is especially common when vehicles use gasoline from unreliable sources.

4. Dust from the outside environment

A damaged or not regularly replaced air filter can allow dirt, sand and other small particles from the air to enter the intake. When these particles adhere to the intake, they combine with oil and moisture, forming a thicker layer of dirt.

5. EGR system

The EGR system recirculates some of the exhaust gas to reduce NOx emissions. However, the exhaust gas often carries dirt and carbon deposits, which can cause the intake manifold to foul over time.

- Why Do You Need to Clean Your Car's Intake Manifold Regularly?
What causes the car intake manifold to become dirty?

Unexpected Consequences When Car Intake Manifold Is Dirty

Failure to clean the intake manifold regularly results in reduced engine performance, fuel consumption, difficulty starting, increased toxic emissions, damage to related components, reduced engine life and a poor driving experience with unpleasant noise.

1. Reduced engine performance and fuel consumption

When the intake manifold is clogged with debris, the airflow into the combustion chamber is restricted, causing the air-fuel ratio to become incorrect. As a result, the engine has to work harder, resulting in reduced power and increased fuel consumption. This makes the vehicle consume more fuel and makes it difficult to reach optimal speed.

2. Difficult starting and engine stalling

A dirty intake manifold can cause your vehicle to have difficulty starting, especially in cold conditions. The engine can easily stall while idling or when you stop at a traffic light, which is inconvenient and dangerous.

3. Increased toxic emissions

When combustion in the combustion chamber is incomplete due to lack of air, the vehicle will emit more toxic emissions, including CO (carbon monoxide) and HC (hydrocarbons). This not only has a negative impact on the environment but can also cause the vehicle to fail emission testing standards.

4. Impact on related parts in the engine

Dirt buildup in the intake manifold can affect the mass air flow (MAF) sensor, oxygen sensor, and EGR valve. These components can become fouled and lose signal accuracy, leading to rapid failure and costly repairs.

5. Reduced engine life

The engine is forced to work overtime due to lack of air, resulting in higher operating temperatures and accelerated wear on internal components. Over time, this can reduce the life of the engine and cause you to incur major maintenance and repair costs.

6. Causes poor driving experience and unpleasant noise

The vehicle may jerk, lose momentum when accelerating, or make strange noises when the engine is running. These symptoms can make driving uncomfortable, especially when you need stability and smoothness on long trips.

ARAI (India) 'Vehicle Performance and Driver Experience' study indicates that 75% of drivers report instability and unusual noise when the intake manifold is dirty.

What Are The Signs That Your Car's Intake Manifold Needs Cleaning?

The intake manifold needs to be cleaned when the vehicle is running poorly, fuel consumption increases, is difficult to start, the “Check Engine” light is on, exhaust smoke is black – has a burning smell, strange engine noises appear.

1. The car runs weaker

When the intake manifold is clogged, the amount of air entering the combustion chamber is reduced, causing the engine to operate inefficiently. This results in a loss of power, difficulty accelerating, and less power than normal.

2. High fuel consumption

When the air-fuel ratio is not correct, the engine must pump more fuel to compensate. This causes the vehicle's fuel consumption to increase.

3. Difficulty starting the car and the engine jerks

If the intake manifold is too dirty, the engine may have difficulty starting, especially in the morning or in cold weather. Additionally, the vehicle may jerk when you press the accelerator, especially when accelerating suddenly.

4. The “check engine” light comes on on the dashboard

The intake position sensor (TPS) and other sensors can detect a blockage in the intake, causing the check engine light to come on. When you see the “Check Engine” light, you should have the intake checked along with other systems.

5. Black exhaust smoke, unusual burning smell

A dirty intake manifold can cause incomplete combustion, increased black exhaust smoke and a burning smell when the vehicle is running. This is a clear sign that there is a problem with the air intake system.

6. Strange engine noises

If the intake manifold is clogged, the air and fuel mixture may not be uniform, leading to a “popping” phenomenon in the exhaust or combustion chamber. This is a signal that the vehicle’s intake manifold needs to be cleaned immediately to avoid further damage.

- Why Do You Need to Clean Your Car's Intake Manifold Regularly?
Signs that your car's intake manifold needs cleaning

Benefits of Regular Intake Cleaning?

Regular intake cleaning helps maintain engine performance, save fuel, increase durability, improve driving feel and reduce toxic emissions.

  • Maintain engine performance: Remove dirt and deposits to help the intake manifold operate stably, ensuring the amount of air entering the combustion chamber always meets standards.
  • Fuel saving: Reduces mismixing between air and fuel, helping the engine consume fuel more efficiently.
  • Increase engine durability: Limits wear and damage caused by dirt, prolonging the life of the engine system.
  • Improved driving feel: The engine runs smoother, responding faster when accelerating or decelerating.
  • Reduce harmful emissions: Cleaning the intake manifold helps the fuel mixture burn optimally, contributing to reducing emissions into the environment.

How to Clean Car Intake?

Car intake manifold can be cleaned with a chaff blaster or CO2 dry ice.

1. Using a rice husk blaster

This method uses a rice husk sprayer combined with compressed air to create a high-pressure air stream, helping to remove dirt stuck in the intake. The process is simple, no need to disassemble the engine, just open the hood and spray rice husk directly into the intake for about 15-20 minutes.

Benefits:

  • A clean intake manifold helps optimize engine performance and fuel economy.
  • Rice husk material is environmentally friendly, does not harm the engine or pollute the environment.
  • Fast and time saving process.

2. Use dry ice CO2

This method uses cold CO2 crystals, which are sprayed into the intake through a specialized machine. The CO2 crystals come into contact with dirt and clean it effectively without leaving any residue after evaporation.

Benefits:

  • CO2 cold crystals do not cause corrosion, ensuring safety for engine parts.
  • Does not produce toxic waste, safe for the environment and users.
  • High cleaning efficiency, especially in hard-to-reach places in the intake.
  • Save time and money compared to traditional methods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Intake Manifolds

1. How often is it best to clean the intake manifold?

The intake manifold should be cleaned every 20.000 – 30.000 km or at least once a year to maintain optimum engine performance. Reference General periodic car maintenance schedule to maintain good condition of the car.

2. Can I clean the intake manifold at home?

Yes, you can use a specialized cleaning solution and follow simple steps, but it is better to go to a garage if you are not experienced to avoid damaging the sensors.

3. When should I replace instead of cleaning the intake manifold?

If the intake manifold is physically damaged or excessively worn, such as a loose or cracked throttle valve, it needs to be replaced rather than simply cleaned. It is best to go to a reputable garage to have the engine system inspected and have a plan for replacement and total overhaul.

Refer to the article: When to overhaul car engine? The most detailed items & quotes.

4. Does the electronic charging throat need to be cleaned more often?

Yes, vehicles using electronically controlled throttle bodies (ETC) are more sensitive to dirt and require periodic cleaning to avoid electronic control failures.

5. Reputable auto maintenance and repair garage in HCM?

Thanh Phong Auto is one of the leading auto repair garages in Ho Chi Minh City, with long-standing reputation and commitment to bringing customers superior quality services.

We specialize in providing a variety of services from maintenance, repair to car care, ensuring your car is always in good operating condition.

With a team of experienced technicians, modern machinery and strict working process, Thanh Phong Auto is proud to bring peace of mind to customers.

So if you need to clean, repair or replace your car's intake manifold, Thanh Phong Auto is ready to provide professional service.

- Why Do You Need to Clean Your Car's Intake Manifold Regularly?
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