Seafoam Usage

Instrument 40 · May 3, 2005

I have read on this board where other have sucked Seafoam into their intake system by way of the vaccum line off the brake booster. Is this a safe and effective method? Will this cause and other problems? Will this throw a code? Thanks in advance.

snoman · May 3, 2005

I have read on this board where other have sucked Seafoam into their intake system by way of the vaccum line off the brake booster. Is this a safe and effective method? Will this cause and other problems? Will this throw a code? Thanks in advance.

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The vacum line for the brake booster is a good access point for that but as to whether it is worth it, myself I am not convince though some seem to be.

GM-Tech · May 4, 2005

I have no idea what Seafoam is, though I see a lot of people talking about it and seem to be in love with it.

All I can say is, large amounts of fluid ingested can cause hydo-lock, so go slowly, because it won't be pretty.

rascal · May 4, 2005

it's a cleaner that removes carbon build up.

snoman · May 4, 2005

it's a cleaner that removes carbon build up.

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Carbon build up in genaral is not the issue it was 30 years ago and I have had many engine go past 200k that never required the carbon buildup removed either. I personly think the seafoam is a cure looking for a cause to cure rather than a real fix for anything other than the makers bank account. Modern engines do not require regular carbon removal contray to the popular belief of some.

GM-Tech · May 4, 2005

it's a cleaner that removes carbon build up.

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I guess I should have said, I don't know what compounds Seafoam is made of. I knew it was a cleaner of some sort.

jhm · May 4, 2005

I think because of the smoke show it produces people think it must be doing something good for the engine. When we were kids we used to pour some oil into the carbs on our go karts, that gave a wild smoke show too. After I read the thread from the guy who put it into his nice quiet engine and the next day he had a loud knock, I decided not to try it.

SteveCZ · May 4, 2005

isn't Seafoam similar to GM Top Engine Cleaner?

Whats your opinion on using that (how often, mileage wise?)

GM-Tech · May 4, 2005

isn't Seafoam similar to GM Top Engine Cleaner?

Whats your opinion on using that (how often, mileage wise?)

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Personally, I have no idea if it's similar to TEC. How often? Never. I don't see a need for it.

mcreyaufmiller · May 5, 2005

I used it on my truck and picked up 3 MPG.

snoman · May 5, 2005

I used it on my truck and picked up 3 MPG.

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If you in fact did it is likely because it temporaily masked another problem.

willieboy · May 5, 2005

Seafoam for its original use is great. Originally it was designed to be used in marine engines that had sat with old fuel in them. Cleaned out the Crank case and fuel systems. You can also use it to stabilize fuel.

How it does on gas engines is anyones geuss. Users seem to think it is great. However, I have asked several mechanics about it, and they all think it is snake oil. Of course everyone so far has said they have never tried it. So, I am still at a loss as to what to believe. The truck I was going to try it on got traded in for the Burb. so I doubt I will be trying it anytime soon.

SteveCZ · May 5, 2005

isn't Seafoam similar to GM Top Engine Cleaner?

Whats your opinion on using that (how often, mileage wise?)

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Personally, I have no idea if it's similar to TEC. How often? Never. I don't see a need for it.

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I guess I need more coffee yet this morning, but I'm not sure if you answered my question. With the design of the 99 NBS 5.3, with the combination of the EGR and PCV, when the truck is warming up, there seems to be a significant buildup of carbon in my intake manifold.

What I'm asking is, shouldn't I use the TEC on my truck just before I change my oil?

snoman · May 5, 2005

Seafoam for its original use is great. Originally it was designed to be used in marine engines that had sat with old fuel in them. Cleaned out the Crank case and fuel systems. You can also use it to stabilize fuel.

How it does on gas engines is anyones geuss. Users seem to think it is great. However, I have asked several mechanics about it, and they all think it is snake oil. Of course everyone so far has said they have never tried it. So, I am still at a loss as to what to believe. The truck I was going to try it on got traded in for the Burb. so I doubt I will be trying it anytime soon.

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Are you talking about the same stuff that I used to use to pickle my outboard motors for storage? I never used it in the fuel system, I ran the fuel system dry.

GM-Tech · May 5, 2005

there seems to be a significant buildup of carbon in my intake manifold.

How do you know that? Are you sure you mean the intake manifold or do you mean the throttle body? I'm not sure what this has to do with using it before you change your oil.

I'm not trying to be difficult here, I'm just not sure we're all clear on what it's being used for and where. Maybe it's me that doesn't understand what your intentions are with this stuff, be it TEC or Seafoam.