Top end noise AFTER Seafoaming

Post by **renns** » 14 Nov 2009, 09:08

I have a fairly high mileage 850 that is using more oil than I'd like. In an attempt to reduce that somewhat, I thought I'd give the SeaFoam treatment a try. I connected a hose to a spare vacuum port on the tree that's under the plastic cover by the throttle body. I held the throttle open a bit with one hand, and dipped the hose in and out as described elsewhere. After about 1/3 can was used, I stuck the hose in all the way, and let the throttle drop back to idle. I was expecting it to stall at this point, but it ran, albeit rough, and drank the entire can of Seafoam without ever stalling. At this point the engine was shut off, and let to sit for 15 minutes or so.

Upon start-up, the engine ran rough, smoked, and had very loud top-end clatter. The top-end noise subsided a bit, and I went for a spirited drive in the country to let the smoke dissipate. I was hoping the noise would disappear, and it did get a bit better, but was still present. Upon return, the noise was still there, although now sounding like one lifter rather than half a dozen. I had to make a 100 mile round-trip drive last night, so I took the 850, hoping time would loosen that lifter. Unfortunately, it's still there upon return.

Today I changed oil, hoping that might cure it, but the noise remains. I've got another shorter trip, about 60 miles, today, so we'll see if that helps out.

Any thoughts on this? I searched and found one guy on VS reported a similar problem a few months back, but never posted a follow-up.

Post by **mvsuzr** » 14 Nov 2009, 09:37

Did a quick search on "seafoam" on this site, 496 hits...

May be something to check. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy...

ahuggard · Post by **ahuggard** » 14 Nov 2009, 09:42

I know there have been many posts on Seafoam and one in particular that was quite long that described his dissatisfaction with the stuff. Look for that thread in the search.

I've used Seafoam on most of my high mileage Volvos with no problem. I never put a full can through the intake however. 1/3 of can is about all that is required/recommended.

Post by **renns** » 14 Nov 2009, 21:29

I'm running fresh 10w30 and a Mann filter. After 50 miles today, still no improvement. Please don't reply here - I've added my info to the much larger Seafoam thread here:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 07#p104907

Post by **matthew1** » 15 Nov 2009, 00:48

Locked at author's request (and I concur).