PCV Valve

RoGuE · November 3, 2006

Some of you may have heard of a product called Seafoam. I used it in my Taurus and it cured a lot of pinging I had along with restoring engine power in general. In my Taurus I sucked up the Seafoam through the PCV valve hose. I have looked all over the engine bay in my 2002 Suburban and I can't find it anywhere. I have the 5.3L engine I think. Can anyone help me?

ken1mod · November 3, 2006

driver's side, rear of valve cover.

Ken

C & A s Dad · November 3, 2006

Your PCV valve is located on the very rear of the driver's side of your truck. You can use any vacuum line but please be careful. Seafoam is a wonderful product but sucking it through a vacuum line can be a little "iffy". The product is going to take the path of least resistance and by this I mean most of it will flow through 2 or 3 of the cylinders with the rest of the cylinders getting very little. Also, too much at one time can "wash down" a cylinder but this is not likely.

On an engine without a Mass Air Flow sensor, you can spray it directly into the throat while running. On your engine, you would likely set a trouble code because the air flow would not be flowing through the MAF while you were doing this.

If you want to decarbon the upper cylinder areas on the 5.3L with Seafoam your safest bet is to get the tube on the can of Seafoam right in front of the Throttle Body while the MAF is still connected. I have seen people drill a small hole in the intake tube just befor the TB unit. They use this to spray the SF while the truck is running and then seal the hole back up with a screw. Be careful not to let the plastic tube on the can come out.

If you take it to a professional, they will likely use an "S Can" which is a presurized can the uses an "S" shaped tube that fits into the throat of the TB and allows the intake tube to be reconnected. The then run the engine with the presurzed cleaner flowing through the intake.

Hope I did not scare you but just wanted you to be aware of what could happen.

If your truck is not too bad, Techron from Chevron is a wonderful product and will go far in cleaning the combustion chambers. I believe it runs about 9.00 for a 20 oz bottle and this will treat apprx 20 gallons. You may need to do it twice if you are really carboned up. If you are using "no name" gas, I would suggest you use a Top Tier fuel such as Chevron, Texaco, Shell, Amoco etc. there is a difference.

ken1mod · November 3, 2006

maybe I just drive hard enough to keep things clean but I have disassembled quite a few engines and since leaded fuel went away, I just see clean combustion chambers and perfect intake tracts. Looked like perfect textbook engines with no deposits.

When leaded fuel was burned, everything was always filthy. I just don't buy into the "mechanic in a can" concept.

I think the risks of feeding liquids into the air intake are just too high and the results questionable enough that I say, "gee, no thanks"

Ken

C & A s Dad · November 3, 2006

Ken, I agree with you and that is why I cautioned him about the Seafoam. This is why I use only Chevron fuel and run a bottle of Techron through the tank occasionaly. I know there are some engines that develop carbon in the comb chambers worse than others. For those engines, I would suggest letting a professional clean them up with professional equip.

RoGuE · November 3, 2006

I have used Seafoam in my Taurus and it did make a very noticeable difference. I just let it sit in the engine for 7 minutes, started it up and kept it at 3500 RPM and watched the smoke come out the exhaust.

I do use only Chevron in my Suburban (and Taurus) because they will both ping if I us other gas and I seem to get more power from Chevron.

C & A s Dad · November 3, 2006

If you are pinging on other quality brands of fuel, you either do have a carbon issue or a knock sensor issue. I cannot speak for the Ford, but the Burb should run on any good brand gas and not ping.

Like you, I use only Chevron but it is not due to pinging, I just believe in the Techron additive that they use in their fuels.

bry21317 · November 7, 2006

Not trying to hijack the thread, just adding to it.

C & A's dad,

Do you have a tune? My burban will ping with the stock computer or tune no matter what I do. I have tried this, so I am wondering if my Knock Sensor is bad or something, becuase about 3500rpms going up a hill while accelerating, it will ping bad on 87 or 89 gas, no matter what. Now I have switched to only running 93 for now and its not pinging at all that I can hear, but it was bad before.

I have also done the Seafoam, as I have wonderful results with this on my 2 stroke boat. I have also used the Chevron 20 oz bottle in my burban a few times when I first got it. It runs great now, but will still ping unless I put the 93 octane in it.

Also, I do have the Wait4me Tune, if you don't have this, this was the best Purchase I have ever made for a car, as it was not bad in price either $158.10 with him sending me a whole new computer, so I keep my as a spare to put in if I need it.

Bryan

C & A s Dad · November 8, 2006

Bryan, no tune here yet. I just cannot make up my mind. I cannot speak concerning whether your tune is causing this or not. I can tell you for sure that a stock 5.3L Burban should not ping on 87 fuel unless you have a knock sensor issue or carbon build up in your combustion chambers. My bet is on the carbon.

There are several systems used by prof techs to clean the comb chambers. I work for CARQUEST Auto Parts and Motor Vac is our supplier and it is an excellent system. I have also heard good things about the BG system.

If your tune is not causing this, I would suggest you find someone to do a decarbon and my bet is that your ping will go away. It certainly cannot hurt anything and is now a common pracice with tune ups.

Good luck and I would like to know what you find.

November 8, 2006

Just curious, but what do the neighbors think of all the smoke?

Norseman · November 8, 2006

Some of you may have heard of a product called Seafoam. I used it in my Taurus and it cured a lot of pinging I had along with restoring engine power in general. In my Taurus I sucked up the Seafoam through the PCV valve hose. I have looked all over the engine bay in my 2002 Suburban and I can't find it anywhere. I have the 5.3L engine I think. Can anyone help me?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

There is a TSB on this....

***NOTE***

If you do decide to replace your knock sensors MAKE SURE YOU USE THE UPDATED REPLACEMENT GASKETS FOR THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. The updated replacement gaskets GM part number 89017589 are teal green in color. DO NOT REUSE THE OLD GASKET.

Subject: Audible Spark Knock (Detonation), MIL Illuminated, DTC P0332 Set (Replace Rear Bank Knock Sensor and RTV Area Around Sensor) #02-06-04-023A - (06/14/2002)

Models: 1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette

1998-2002 Pontiac Firebird

with 5.7L Engine (VIN G -- RPO LS1)

1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe

2002 Chevrolet Avalance

1999-2002 GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL

2002 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT

with 4.8L, 5.3L or 6.0L Engine (VINs V, T, Z, N, U -- RPOs LR4, LM7, L59, LQ9, LQ4)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This bulletin is being revised to add Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade EXT to the Models. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-06-04-023 (Section 6 -- Engine/Propulsion System).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Condition

Some customers may comment on a mild to severe engine ping (commonly referred to as spark knock), usually worse during acceleration and/or an illuminated MIL. Upon investigation, the technician may find DTC P0332 set.

Cause

This condition may be the result of corrosion of the rear bank knock sensor due to water intrusion into the sensor cavity. This condition is more apparent on vehicles in which customers frequently wash the engine compartment.

Correction

Replace the rear bank knock sensor and build a dam (wall) around the sensor using RTV to divert water away from the sensor. Use the procedure and part number listed below.

Remove the intake manifold. Refer to the Intake Manifold Replacement procedure in the Engine Controls sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual.

Remove the wiring harness assembly from the knock sensor.

Remove the rear bank knock sensor.

Install the new rear bank knock sensor.

Tighten

Tighten the knock sensor to 20 N·m(15 lb ft).

Install the wiring harness assembly to the knock sensor.

Apply a bead of RTV silicone sealant approximately 9 mm (3/8 in) wide and 6 mm (1/4 in) high along the outside edge of the ridge on the engine block valley cover around the rear bank knock sensor. DO NOT form a complete circle. Leave the rear section open as shown.

From the underside of the intake manifold, completely remove the rear intake manifold seal (foam material).

Install the intake manifold. Refer to the Intake Manifold Replacement procedure in the Engine Controls sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual.

Parts Information

Part Number

Description

Qty

10456603

Sensor, Knock

1

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

J4437

(F-Car)

Sensor, Knock -- Replace

1.7 hrs

Add

(1998-1999 F-Car Only)

To Remove EGR

0.2 hr

J4437

(Y-Car)

Sensor, Knock -- Replace

1.6 hrs

J4437

(C/K-Truck)

Sensor, Knock -- Replace

1.5 hrs

Add

(C/K Truck Only)

With Three Piece Engine Covers

0.2 hr

Add

(All)

Diagnosis Time

0.3 hr

Add

(All)

To RTV Area Around Sensor and Remove Intake Manifold Seal

0.2 hr

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

bry21317 · November 8, 2006

Mine is a 2003 5.3 with the VIN Code of Z for the Flex Fuel so I don't think this TSB will do.

I can really notice it when I tow my boat, up a hill on the way home, running about 3-4k rpms at about 30-45 mph to get up the hill. I had really noticed it when I put on a K+N CAI, I had to remove this as it made it so bad. I then sent it back and put my stock K+N Drop in filter back on, and it got better. Then the Stock computer, no tune, still will do it no matter what, at times on the way up this hill on the 87 octane gas. The Porgrammed one also does it with anything other than the 93 octane and its tuned for 87-89. Even if I use 89 ocatane it is not as bad, but it still will do it.

Can I get that stuff at Carquest, or this something you have to take somewhere to have it done?

Thanks,

Bryan

jhm · November 8, 2006

I think the risks of feeding liquids into the air intake are just too high and the results questionable enough that I say, "gee, no thanks"

Ken

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree. I believe a lot of that stuff on the shelf in cans and bottles is going to cause way more harm than any possible good. I tried the Techron a few times and cannot say I felt any noticeable improvement. Maybe it cleans the fuel system a little, but I worry about what it could do that I can't see. We dont have Chevron around here, I use Gulf fuel and have no problems.

Norseman · November 9, 2006

Mine is a 2003 5.3 with the VIN Code of Z for the Flex Fuel so I don't think this TSB will do.

I can really notice it when I tow my boat, up a hill on the way home, running about 3-4k rpms at about 30-45 mph to get up the hill. I had really noticed it when I put on a K+N CAI, I had to remove this as it made it so bad. I then sent it back and put my stock K+N Drop in filter back on, and it got better. Then the Stock computer, no tune, still will do it no matter what, at times on the way up this hill on the 87 octane gas. The Porgrammed one also does it with anything other than the 93 octane and its tuned for 87-89. Even if I use 89 ocatane it is not as bad, but it still will do it.

Can I get that stuff at Carquest, or this something you have to take somewhere to have it done?

Thanks,

Bryan

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It's good for vin codes V, T, Z, N, U.

You can get every thing you need for this at any parts store except the updated intake gasket. That is a GM part. I got mine through parts zone online. GM part number 89017589.