Seafoam, interesting stuff

Post by **Maxbaby** » 02 Mar 2008, 16:06

I did the auto-rx thing with my 850 last year but have never noticed any results (it's supposed to be a long-term slow acting item so I guess I'm not surprised).

So I saw the Seafoam in the Napa parts store a few days ago for the first time and picked up a can, thinking I might try it in wifey's Santa Fe. It's due for an oil change and I've noticed the oil getting dirtier a lot quicker over the last few oil changes, and it's not quite as smooth as it used to be. I remember years ago having a couple of mechanics just about lose their lunch when I contemplated trying one of those "engine flush" products in an old car I had at the time.

Their concerns were all around the thinning of the oil. I was thinking of using it and letting the Santa Fe sit idling for 20 minutes or so on the driveway and then changing the oil, but is that even worth the effort or am I better off sticking to the auto-rx?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Mar 2008, 17:29

From what I'm reading, it sounds like a good idea to use the SeaFoam in the crank case but I would drive it for a few days before changing the oil. I'm not sure if 20 minutes of idling is good enough. Seems that getting the car up to speed and driving for 100 miles or so is the ticket before draining the oil.
Good luck and please post back as to you experience.

Post by **lewismug** » 02 Mar 2008, 18:54

After adding it to your intake, shut the car off and let it sit for about 10 minutes. After it has sat, crank it up and be prepared for TONS of white smoke from the tailpipe. It's normal, so don't let it scare you.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Mar 2008, 19:16

I let mine sit for 20 minutes but 10 might be better...don't know.

Post by **Maxbaby** » 02 Mar 2008, 19:25

I'm sure it will work well in the intake, I have used a few different products like seafoam in the intake, but like I say, it's just the idea of adding to the crankcase... and then leaving it in there for an extended period of time... maybe I just need therapy.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Mar 2008, 19:50

I agree...a little scary to leave it in the crankcase for very long. I do want it to clean the inside of the engine...but. I believe mine is pretty clean anyway. I use Mobil-1 and have been changing every 5K miles (when I drove 100+ miles a day). Now that I'm just around town (new job) I might start changing it sooner. I have no leaks and my oil is not dark black when I change it.

Post by **mrreilly** » 03 Mar 2008, 12:15

I just added some SeaFoam to my crankcase. Does adding it to the crankcase make it smoke like it does when you suck it through the vacuum line?
And when adding to the gas tank, should i have a full tank of gas?

Post by **lewismug** » 03 Mar 2008, 13:25

I've never really noticed any smoke when I add it to the crankcase. It's just supposed to clean out the oil passages, rings, oil pump bits, and loosen any sludge that may be present when added to the oil. I normally add it to my gas tank while sitting at the pump and right before a fill-up. I like to be absolutely sure that it gets mixed in with the gas really well.

Post by **Maxbaby** » 03 Mar 2008, 14:05

No there won't be a whole bunch of smoke if added to the crankcase. It only smokes when added to the intake.

bigfinn · Post by **bigfinn** » 05 Mar 2008, 18:43

Need a little help as to exactly where the vacuum line is located for a seafoam treatment for intake. Hoping someone has taken some pictures of where to disconnect the vacuum line. (Looking at vacuum line diagrams not doing it for me)... I'm sure there are other novice mechanics like me who need a little more HELP !

Just bought a can of seafoam, and I am looking forward to a massive smokeout!

1/3 in tank - easy
1/3 in crankcase - easy
1/3 in intake - not sure