Amsoil Power Foam

Geevs · Post by **Geevs** » 28 Sep 2016, 13:36

Has anyone used this? The standard application is through the intake manifold. I was wondering if it would be beneficial to also spray it down the spark plug hole when each cylinder is positioned at TDC so the foaming action could reach the exhaust valves and pistons as well.

Post by **tryingbe** » 28 Sep 2016, 16:40

Why do you think you need it?

Geevs · Post by **Geevs** » 28 Sep 2016, 17:00

I'm guessing the EX valves are all carbon-ed up from leaking valve stems/seals.

Post by **kcodyjr** » 28 Sep 2016, 17:15

I usually solve that with a can of Techron, a half tank of super, and my foot held to the floor going up a long, steep hill. The goal is to maximize exhaust temperature to cook off the deposits. Then you have to drive it gently for awhile to cool it off.

Sucking something in through the manifold causes the engine to stall, and the chemical sits on the pistons and rings. You let it sit, then start it up to burn it off. It wouldn't be in contact with the valve mating surfaces until it's itself become an exhaust product.

Cleaning an engine with Seafoam, and the Amsoil sounds similar, is a good idea according to some and useless according to others, and some cite a risk of hydrostatic lock-up. Personally, I'm a believer. But, it's not going to do much for exhaust valves, unless you do it with the car suspended upside-down.

Post by **tryingbe** » 28 Sep 2016, 19:41

Geevs wrote:I'm guessing the EX valves are all carbon-ed up from leaking valve stems/seals.

Why guess? Take the intake manifold off and check.

Post by **kcodyjr** » 28 Sep 2016, 20:12

tryingbe wrote:
Geevs wrote:I'm guessing the EX valves are all carbon-ed up from leaking valve stems/seals.
Why guess? Take the intake manifold off and check.

Take the intake manifold off to check the exhaust valves?

Even if the exhaust manifold wasn't a royal PIA to get off (clearances suck), I don't see that taking parts off the engine should be part of the decision tree of whether to run a cleaner through it.

Post by **tryingbe** » 28 Sep 2016, 20:50

If the valve stem seals is leaking at the exhaust side, chances are they are leaking at the intake side too.

Exhaust manifold is easy on a Volvo FWD.

Geevs · Post by **Geevs** » 28 Sep 2016, 22:35

Thanks for the replies.

I have tried Seafoam a few times and it was OK. I have not tried Power Foam but from what I have read over at BITOG it works a bit differently - it's a foaming agent that expands unlike SeaFoam which, despite the word Foam on it, is liquid and susceptible to hydro-lock whereas Power Foam is not liquid. These are the reasons why I was wondering if shooting Power Foam down the spark plug hole may have some benefits - it goes straight into the space between the valves and piston (at TDC) where it can expand and be in contact with the IN/EX valves and pistons. Pouring Seaform down the plug hole will just soak the pistons.

I agree it's more effort to remove the intake and exhaust mani just to "check" or see if the valves are carbon-ed up - might as well just run a cleaner whether they are or not.

Post by **kcodyjr** » 28 Sep 2016, 22:39

Easy if you don't mind laying across the engine to reach your arm down there, and easy if you either have the hands of a 10 year old or don't mind bloody knuckles. Easy job plan, straightforward, but the actual work will inspire every profanity you know.

OK, if it's leaking from the stem seals, running a cleaner through it is a band-aid, if that.

But let's back up. Shouldn't it be blue-smoking if there's oil dripping into the cylinders?

Anyway, oil isn't the prime cause of carbon build-up. Incomplete combustion is. Give it the can of Techron, stick your toes out through the grille, and then re-evaluate whether you think you have a valve problem.

If you think you do, inspecting the intake valve seals through the intake ports is a reasonable next step.

Post by **sleddriver** » 28 Sep 2016, 22:52

I post over on BITOG as well. Read good reviews of APF, but never used it. My favorite injector/intake valve/combustion cleaner is Redline Si-1. Lots of PEA and an excellent reputation. A second choice is Gumout Regane hi-mileage intake cleaner. Also lots of PEA. BG-44K is also excellent, but much more expensive.

Post back on your experience with APF!