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Seafoam?

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Old Jun 6, 2017 | 12:11 AM
  #1  
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Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
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Seafoam?

Okay look I used the search tool for "seafoam". Nothing clear came back. Just share your experiences and thoughts. I've never used it on any of my high miler / older cars but dang that stuff seems to be liked by a lot of people. Rave reviews on Amazon, 1,819 reviews.

Very tempted to put it into my 117,000 mile L98.
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Old Jun 6, 2017 | 05:49 AM
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Re: Seafoam?

I've used it on several cars with decent success. You need to go both routes with it though, pour the can into the gas tank and then use the spray to fog the carb/plenum/intake - whatever setup you have.

Used in combination following their directions you will do well.
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Old Jun 6, 2017 | 08:10 AM
  #3  
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Re: Seafoam?

Been using Seafoam for years.
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Old Jun 6, 2017 | 08:39 AM
  #4  
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Re: Seafoam?

Ok thanks. Just needed some Third Gen board affirmation.
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Old Jun 6, 2017 | 08:42 AM
  #5  
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Engine: 5.7TPI
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Re: Seafoam?

Just make sure when you use it, the neighbors are having a party/get together. LMAO!
Tell em you're doing mosquito control....oh God that was funny!!!!
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Old Jun 6, 2017 | 10:44 AM
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Re: Seafoam?

Originally Posted by Bob88GTA
Just make sure when you use it, the neighbors are having a party/get together. LMAO!
Tell em you're doing mosquito control....oh God that was funny!!!!
LMFAO

Tootie Pang - when you go through the process you will understand the humor here - best if done outdoors, do not do this in your garage.
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Old Jun 6, 2017 | 11:08 AM
  #7  
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Re: Seafoam?

So right Chris! I'm laughing right now!!
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Old Jun 6, 2017 | 11:10 AM
  #8  
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Car: 1989 Pontiac Formula 350
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Re: Seafoam?

It is good stuff, but not magic. I run it through my tank occasionally.

Also, the search function on the website sucks. It's worthless. Whomever removed the Google search should be beaten with soft socks.

Go to Google, and search site:thirdgen.org seafoam. You'll get a ton more results than the site search.
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Old Jun 6, 2017 | 11:22 AM
  #9  
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Car: 1991 Firebird
Engine: 5.0 TBI
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Re: Seafoam?

Originally Posted by PurelyPMD
I've used it on several cars with decent success. You need to go both routes with it though, pour the can into the gas tank and then use the spray to fog the carb/plenum/intake - whatever setup you have.

Used in combination following their directions you will do well.
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Old Jun 6, 2017 | 11:30 AM
  #10  
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: Seafoam?

Originally Posted by thtanner
It is good stuff, but not magic. I run it through my tank occasionally.

Also, the search function on the website sucks. It's worthless. Whomever removed the Google search should be beaten with soft socks.

Go to Google, and search site:thirdgen.org seafoam. You'll get a ton more results than the site search.
That's what I do too. The search function is terrible here.
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Old Jun 6, 2017 | 12:10 PM
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Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Seafoam?

Hah! I've seen some videos. I'll probably do it at night.

Also, I think switching to Gumout Multi-Tune Up. Read up on it and its additive "PEA" is supposed to be another level better.

We will see.
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Old Jun 6, 2017 | 07:58 PM
  #12  
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Re: Seafoam?

I've used seafoam for years- it's never "not" helped on older engines. I once bought a very rare vehicle and got a phenomenal deal on it because it had a collapsed lifter and would start, but ran on 2/3's of the cylinders present.
I seafoamed the living crap out of that engine- put a whole can in the oil, another feeding through the throttle body while it limped at idle. In 20 minutes, I hopped in it and drove it away from the guy's house and he was PISSED. He later sent me a nasty email about why I didn't tell him it was so easy to fix. Well, he didn't ask.
I drove it for a summer, doing flushes with seafoam in the oil and changing oil repeatedly- also doing it through the intake as well. Ran great when I sold it for a $20K profit after driving it 4 months.
On older V8's, that stuff is the bomb.
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Old Jun 6, 2017 | 08:02 PM
  #13  
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: Seafoam?

Originally Posted by VTSummit
I've used seafoam for years- it's never "not" helped on older engines. I once bought a very rare vehicle and got a phenomenal deal on it because it had a collapsed lifter and would start, but ran on 2/3's of the cylinders present.
I seafoamed the living crap out of that engine- put a whole can in the oil, another feeding through the throttle body while it limped at idle. In 20 minutes, I hopped in it and drove it away from the guy's house and he was PISSED. He later sent me a nasty email about why I didn't tell him it was so easy to fix. Well, he didn't ask.
I drove it for a summer, doing flushes with seafoam in the oil and changing oil repeatedly- also doing it through the intake as well. Ran great when I sold it for a $20K profit after driving it 4 months.
On older V8's, that stuff is the bomb.
Well now you've gotta tell us what kind of car it was!
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Old Jun 6, 2017 | 09:19 PM
  #14  
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Re: Seafoam?

It was a pre-North American release 94 Land Rover Defender 90 that was one of the original 10 they used to submit for approval for sale in the USA. It was test fitted with dual fuel tanks, which were actually disapproved by the gov't and a hood mounted spare, which was also disapproved.
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Old Jun 6, 2017 | 11:01 PM
  #15  
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Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: 5.0
Transmission: Automatic
Re: Seafoam?

Used it in my ski boat that had sit up for 4 years in dry storage before I took ownership. It had a mercruiser 5.7 Chevy engine. Drained tank and it ran like crap with fresh gas. 2 bottles of seafoam later I was pulling kids on the tube in style. I run it in everything from my Husqvarna mower to our rollback at work now.
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Old Jun 7, 2017 | 06:17 AM
  #16  
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Axle/Gears: G80 G92 J65
Re: Seafoam?

Originally Posted by VTSummit
It was a pre-North American release 94 Land Rover Defender 90 that was one of the original 10 they used to submit for approval for sale in the USA. It was test fitted with dual fuel tanks, which were actually disapproved by the gov't and a hood mounted spare, which was also disapproved.
Oh God bless you for working on Land Rovers! I've been told that Land Rovers are like beautiful women - you don't own them, you have relations with them, and they can (and will) often abandon you without notice and for no reason.

We had a P38 that was beautiful & I loved her & I knew her intimately but we had to break up finally as I couldn't afford her.
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Old Jun 7, 2017 | 11:00 AM
  #17  
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Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Seafoam?

Did it last night. The only one who noticed was my youngest son whose bedroom window was about 8 feet back of my tailpipes. "Dad, my windows is right here!" I said, "then close it!" Kinda stinky too.

I could tell there was a good amount of white (but invisible ;-)) smoke.

Not sure why it was smoking in the engine compartment also but it was.
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Old Jun 8, 2017 | 11:38 AM
  #18  
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Car: 1988 IROC-Z
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Re: Seafoam?

Originally Posted by Tootie Pang
Did it last night. The only one who noticed was my youngest son whose bedroom window was about 8 feet back of my tailpipes. "Dad, my windows is right here!" I said, "then close it!" Kinda stinky too.

I could tell there was a good amount of white (but invisible ;-)) smoke.

Not sure why it was smoking in the engine compartment also but it was.
Exhaust leaks.
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Old Jun 8, 2017 | 06:07 PM
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Re: Seafoam?

just did it to my jeep cherokee yesterday and it absolutely fogged out my street as I pulled out of the driveway. I took it around the block where there's a middle school and there was a cop sitting in the parking lot facing away from the road. he was probably wondering what the hell happened when he looked in his rear view mirror and saw so much smoke. didn't notice any difference in how it drove or idled today, I usually just do it once every time I get a car that has high miles.

Did it to my Trans am 3 years ago as well, nothing really noticeable happens but it doesn't hurt the car.
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Old Jun 9, 2017 | 10:11 AM
  #20  
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Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Seafoam?

After the "soak" I will be running it in each tank of gas for a year. I have read over time it really cleans things up.
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Old Jun 9, 2017 | 10:40 AM
  #21  
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Re: Seafoam?

Originally Posted by TylerSteez
just did it to my jeep cherokee yesterday and it absolutely fogged out my street as I pulled out of the driveway. I took it around the block where there's a middle school and there was a cop sitting in the parking lot facing away from the road. he was probably wondering what the hell happened when he looked in his rear view mirror and saw so much smoke. didn't notice any difference in how it drove or idled today, I usually just do it once every time I get a car that has high miles.

Did it to my Trans am 3 years ago as well, nothing really noticeable happens but it doesn't hurt the car.
Too funny!




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Old Jun 11, 2017 | 09:16 PM
  #22  
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Re: Seafoam?

I did talk to a muffler shop that I trust and anything pushing that kind of crap through the exhaust is really bad for the cat.

If you need it to pass smog then disconnecting it would be best.
Its going to be loud but cats are not cheep.

Last edited by Ron U.S.M.C.; Jun 11, 2017 at 09:20 PM.
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Old Jun 12, 2017 | 01:03 AM
  #23  
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Re: Seafoam?

I have been using it on all sorts of motors for years, my car, mower, snow blower, all have ran a little smoother after a thorough foaming
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Old Jun 12, 2017 | 11:03 AM
  #24  
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Re: Seafoam?

Originally Posted by Ron U.S.M.C.
I did talk to a muffler shop that I trust and anything pushing that kind of crap through the exhaust is really bad for the cat.

If you need it to pass smog then disconnecting it would be best.
Its going to be loud but cats are not cheep.
100% agree on this. All that carbon that's displaced has to end up somewhere... and the cat is the next destination down the line.
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Old Jun 12, 2017 | 05:42 PM
  #25  
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Re: Seafoam?

I've used it so many times on so many cars of my own and for customers- never had a cat go bad on any of them. The only time I ever saw cats get nuked was when the BG guy used my Audi A6 as a demo of their system and he destroyed my cats... then denied it was possible. It was fine before, then wasn't afterwards but he still claimed it wasn't his fault.
Gonna seafoam the crap out of my GTA tomorrow.
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Old Jun 12, 2017 | 07:55 PM
  #26  
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Re: Seafoam?

Seafoam is nothing but diesel fuel mixed with water.

Might as well just make your own.

For that matter, for most uses (esp putting it in the crankcase), prolly better to leave the water out. For fogging the intake manifold you might even want to use MORE water. Maybe a buncha denatured alcohol too.

For fuel systems, lacquer thinner, or its major components of acetone and/or methyl ethyl ketone, work THE BEST. Much better than diesel fuel with or without water.

IOW, choose the CORRECT chemicals and mix it (or not) yourself, tailored to the application.
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Old Jun 12, 2017 | 09:10 PM
  #27  
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Car: 86 Imponte Ruiner 450GT, 91 Formula
Engine: 350 Vortec, FIRST TPI, 325 RWHP
Transmission: 700R4 3000 stall.
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Re: Seafoam?

I haven't found it to do anything spectacular.

Throttle body cleaning is best done manually and it's not like it's difficult.

For lifters I have used Marvel Mystery Oil, Rislone, and ATF.... As well as Amsoil engine flush ("prep" for synthetic)..... The best is probably Rislone based on no science whatsoever just my observation of how quickly and effectively dirty lifters were freed up.

Honestly this stuff is a band aid or aspirin for a sick engine. Usually gummed up with failed Wal-Mart dino oil that was left in there way too long. On the one hand you might free up some lifters and make it "quieter" in the short term, but in the longer term in might knock enough crud free that it plugs up pressure bypass valves, filters, and small oil passages..... hard to say what will happen.

I've been doing this quite a while and I still have to say - if the oil manufacturers didn't put it in the oil, it probably shouldn't be there. As a general rule.

As for injectors, etc. I have an injector flow/cleaning bench and once an injector is partially clogged it takes some pretty serious work in a sonic cleaning tank to clear them. A little bit of solvent isn't likely to do much.

Pretty much this stuff is snake oil. In some specific situations it might be useful. But those are rare in my experience.

I drug my LB9 out of the woods where it sat for 11 years. I did a prep run for 30 minutes with a bottle of Amsoil flush, and some Amsoil high zinc (non synthetic) break in oil. Replaced the entire fuel system with new. Runs FANTASTIC. Smooth, quiet, and powerful. 160k miles. I use synthetic oil. Nothing more.

There is no such thing as mechanic in a bottle.

GD
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Old Jun 12, 2017 | 09:10 PM
  #28  
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Car: 87 iroc-z
Engine: 454
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Re: Seafoam?

never tried seafoam. But for 25-30 years i've used water down the carb slowly, while the engine is warmed up. Then go beat the krap out of the motor down the highway for a few minutes. Can literally hear the carbon deposits leaving the combustion chamber through the exhaust. i imagine it surely could clog up a cat? Some guys used to use tranns fluid before seafoam. it does the same basic thing.
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Old Jun 13, 2017 | 08:20 AM
  #29  
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Re: Seafoam?

As others have mentioned have used it in many of my ex-cars. Crown vic cop cars, Impala, Suburban, Silverado's. Even my 2 '82 crossfire cars and NEVER a problem !!!


On my DD Suburban, I run it 4 times a year through my intake and engine to keep everything nice and clean.

In my gas once a month, I run a can of B12 Chemtool cleaner, Same effect but 1/2 the price at Wal-Mart.


Dave



Dave
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Old Jun 13, 2017 | 01:21 PM
  #30  
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Re: Seafoam?

It has saved me from rebuilding dozens of small engine carbs and made many motorcycles run better after they sat too long. I have used it in oil and it removed the valve cover before and after and saw a reduction of material inside and some serious sludge came out of the pan.

So it seems to work
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Old Jun 13, 2017 | 02:15 PM
  #31  
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Re: Seafoam?

I put a can in the tank of every car I put to sleep for winter. It's worked great for me on neglected small engines too, like lawnmowers, snowblowers, etc.
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