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seafoam question

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

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oceanman
Posts: 63
Joined: 18 July 2007
Year and Model: 1994 855t
Location: Dacula, GA

seafoam question

Post by oceanman »

i have a 94 855t with 215+k miles. i recently replaced the pcv. i was thinking about doing a seafoam treatment through the vac lines. when i had the intake manifold off it was crusted with black gunk. my question is- should i remove the catalytic converter so it doesn't get clogged? with all the build-up in the intake, i can only imagine what the rest of the engine looks like... i wouldn't want everything breaking loose and going right through the cat. if i need to pull it, how do i do it? has anyone heard of cat damage from doing this? i have heard it kicks out an awful lot of smoke. i have read the threads here and on vs and nobody really addresses it. any input/advice is appreaciated. thanks
'94 850 turbo wagon 285k mi. (ipd chipped ecu; aluminum skid plate; bitchin' stereo; new heater core/t-stat/hoses; sport exhaust; strut brace; turbo vac/boost gauge; k&n air filter; pcv, vacuum hoses replaced)

'93 ford ranger 2.3l 309k mi.

lucast
Posts: 53
Joined: 17 February 2007
Year and Model:
Location:

Post by lucast »

I have yet to hear of anyone taking out their cat to do a seafoam treatment to be honest

Koan
Posts: 18
Joined: 7 October 2007
Year and Model:
Location: Maryland

Post by Koan »

I have done this on my 94 NA 850 and never had any indication of particulate matter being pushed out the exhaust. But smoke - heck yeah! :lol:

oceanman
Posts: 63
Joined: 18 July 2007
Year and Model: 1994 855t
Location: Dacula, GA

Post by oceanman »

just wanted to let yall know...
i did the seafoam treatment on fri evening. there wasn't the billowing smoke cloud like i was expecting, but it did kick out a fair ammount. actually there was just as much smoke coming from around the turbo as there was from the tailpipe. anyone out there have any ideas what that means? it did, however, leave a nice black stain on the driveway. as far as any improvements- the engine isn't any quieter (lifters click), but it does accelerate a little better. i'm going to try it on my ranger soon. maybe that will smoke more- i've always put the cheapest gas in it i could find.
'94 850 turbo wagon 285k mi. (ipd chipped ecu; aluminum skid plate; bitchin' stereo; new heater core/t-stat/hoses; sport exhaust; strut brace; turbo vac/boost gauge; k&n air filter; pcv, vacuum hoses replaced)

'93 ford ranger 2.3l 309k mi.

Koan
Posts: 18
Joined: 7 October 2007
Year and Model:
Location: Maryland

Post by Koan »

O'man

The normal Seafoam manifold treatment would not reach the lifters.

Seafoam actually suggests you pour some into the crankcase for that. I have been reluctant to do so, but maybe if it is fairly soon to the next oil change - still not real comfy putting it in the crankcase.

Smoke around the turbo probably indicate either an exhaust leak or a PCV leak and what you may be seeing is blow-by. Either way this deserves some attention.

Hope this helps

Koan

Koan
Posts: 18
Joined: 7 October 2007
Year and Model:
Location: Maryland

Post by Koan »

Is it possible you may have spilled some near the turbo??

mrreilly
Posts: 259
Joined: 3 August 2006
Year and Model: 1998 Volvo S70 GLT
Location: Notheast, Ohio

Post by mrreilly »

Side question/
I'm wondering which line the seafoam is to be put in. Can anyone show me what where the seafoam is to be sucked in? I would like to do a seafoam treatment but want to make sure I'm doing it right...
1998 Volvo S70 GLT Black/Tan
Approx. 173,000 3/27/2010
My major repairs:
Timing Belt, Left&Right Control Arms, Tie-rod ends, Lower Engine Mount, Engine Stabilizer Mount, IPD Sway Bar Links, Brakes , Head Gasket, PCV System, Turbo Rebuild, and more

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jtp
Posts: 490
Joined: 3 October 2007
Year and Model: 99 v70R
Location: Westminster, MD
Has thanked: 11 times
Been thanked: 10 times

Post by jtp »

I just did a seafoam treatment on my ancient Oldsmobile cutlass ciera a few weeks ago and I think we just put it in a large vacuum line that went from around the throttle body to who knows where (I'm not too careful with that car 'cuz when it breaks I'll have an excuse to get another volvo). I think I remember reading on the back of the can that you can put it in different places and it will clean different parts. The results for my cutlass were great though, it runs like a totally different car.
99 V70R AWD
Almost 155K Miles
Breaking is how I know it’s working

98 S70NA (sold)
95 850 Turbo Wagon (RIP)

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jtp
Posts: 490
Joined: 3 October 2007
Year and Model: 99 v70R
Location: Westminster, MD
Has thanked: 11 times
Been thanked: 10 times

Post by jtp »

99 V70R AWD
Almost 155K Miles
Breaking is how I know it’s working

98 S70NA (sold)
95 850 Turbo Wagon (RIP)

waynej
Posts: 414
Joined: 18 April 2007
Year and Model: 1999 S70
Location: Sandpoint, Idaho

Post by waynej »

Has anyone tried the Seafoam transmission treatment?

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