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Seafoam vs. Techroline

dukbludvl

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dukbludvl Enthusiast

dukbludvl

Posted
Posted

I have been reading a lot on here about seafoam and techroline being used to clean the fuel injector rails etc. My truck has 67K miles on it and runs smoothly, but I was wondering if you all would suggest using either of these products as preventative maintenance? My Haynes manual doesn't say anything about cleaning the fuel rails or anything as regular maintenance.

 

If I should use one, which do you all recommend? Some people seem to think the seafoam is too tough on our engines. Is the techroline any safer? Also, since I've never done this and I've had my truck for almost 4 years and 67K miles, will using one of these products lead to problems (i.e., leaks, etc.)

 

I'm interested to hear which of these you all think is better. Thanks! Jon

 

Oh yeah -- if you think this should be done as regular maintenance, how often?

99Silver6.0 Senior Enthusiast

99Silver6.0

Posted
Posted

Hell, all I have ever used is SeaFoam. The top-end cleaner and DeepCreep sprayed into the intake. Works pretty well too. Only thing I didnt do was put a little SeaFoam into my oil. Didnt like that Idea. I usually use the Foam every 3 oil changes or so. Ive seen some intake runners of a 5.3 before and after 3 cans of SeaFoam and man did it clean them up good!

budhayes3 Senior Enthusiast

budhayes3

Posted
Posted

I've got a can of Seafoam ready to go, never used it before, but if done properly, I don't forsee any problems. In the past I've used GM Top End cleaner, on a carburated 305, with great results, (tore the engine down shortly after and the intake runners and combustion chambers looked great), and I've performed BG Induction Sevices, (a pressurized three can process that involves a fogger nozzle into the throttle body for two of the cans and 1 can into a full tank of fuel), also with great results. I've never used the Techron, but I've heard good things.

 

If you use these products the right way, you shouldn't experience any problems. The vehicle should have a good tune-up and and be otherwise mechanically up to date before performing any of these services which will temporarily richen your fuel mixture. It is possible to see a check engine lt, or even a blinking check engine lt (which denotes that the ecm is picking up a large enough percent missfire to cause catalytic converter damage), but this isn't prolonged usage. I wouldn't go pumping too many cans through at once though, or you will see a problem.

 

Also, on an older vehicle that hasn't been properly maintained there could be issues just from the excess carbon alone. If you follow a good maintenance schedule you shouldn't see any problems.

Black02Silverado Senior Enthusiast

Black02Silverado

Posted
Posted

Sea Foam worked great on my Jetta diesel. Of course it is an older model. If you do use it just do it at the same time that your getting ready to change your oil. It does a great job of cleaning and gets past the rings and can neutralize the oil if not changed out. I spoke to Terry Dyson of Dyson Analysis and he is familiar with Sea Foam and just said it works well but you just need to remember not to let the oil go to long after you run it.

RyanZ71 Senior Enthusiast

RyanZ71

Posted
Posted

no need to at all, it's strictly a fuel system cleaner, it's not going to get the oil contaminated like seafoam could possibly do.

SteveCZ Enthusiast

SteveCZ

Posted
Posted

The one thing I guess I don't understand is why no one really talks about good ole GM Top Engine Cleaner.... its more or less the same stuff as Sea Foam, only its certified safe by the stealer, and is only about 8 bucks a can....

 

I'm gonna use it before my next oil change, right after the idiot light comes on saying to change the oil

vortec350 Enthusiast

vortec350

Posted
Posted

I have used Techron in my truck for 185,000miles and I have not ever had any fuel related problems at all.It is great stuff.It is a Sythetic fuel system cleaner and it works.My Father and I own a Chevron gas station.We just got an email on Friday from Chevron that stated GM,Lexus which is of course Toyota,and Mercedes rated Chevrons gas with the Techron additive is the best for keeping the fuel system and injectors clean and free from deposites.

I can take a picture of this letter and post it if it is needed.

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