General Maintenance & Repairs Leaks | Squeaks | Clunks | Rattles | Grinds
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

How To Seafoam Your Car

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 4, 2006 | 09:36 PM
  #21  
_JB_'s Avatar
TECH Junkie
20 Year Member
Photoriffic
Community Favorite
iTrader: (33)
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 28
From: Tampa, FL
Default

He is a video of how much smoke can be produced by Seafoam,

http://www.videoshack.us/video/31a0b...ecf206246.html
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2006 | 09:06 AM
  #22  
ChocoTaco369's Avatar
Thread Starter
Tech Resident
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,117
Likes: 3
From: Philly
Default

Originally Posted by not_my_z
I've read that changing your fuel filter after seafoaming is a must... do you agree?
(I think the argument was that it would dislodge stuff in the gas tank...)
it likely would not be a bad idea. a complete seafoaming is NOT something i would do every few thousand miles. seafoam recommends i believe every 5,000 - 10,000 but i wouldn't go that often because of the chance of fouling plugs or clogging the filter, even if it is unlikely. i would recommend a seafoam before you go do a tuneup (fuel filter, trans fluid/filter flush, new plugs/wires...you know, the ~50,000 mile maintanence job). i just put some in my oil the very first oil change after i bought the car since i went GC 0w-30 per patman's recommendation and i had no clue what oil was in it before so i wanted to give it a nice flush (came out black as tar, new oil has 2k on it and still clean and amber). i will be seafoaming completely when i do headers next year since new plugs and wires will be going in

maybe if you guys keep pushing hard enough some mods will sticky this
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2006 | 12:53 AM
  #23  
TLUZLS1's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 669
Likes: 0
From: College Station/La Porte, TX
Default

I cant wait to do this. Thanks for the write up ChocoTaco, and i think it should definitely be a sticky.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2006 | 01:17 AM
  #24  
98hardtopZ's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,251
Likes: 0
From: brandon, ms
Default

i just seafoamed mine and so much smoke came out traffic behind me stopped and had to wait to proceed, it was awesome, 126k miles...
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2006 | 01:42 AM
  #25  
Black_Bird's Avatar
TECH Regular
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 458
Likes: 0
From: Chattanooga, TN
Default

I did this to my 90,000 mile '98 T/A and it smoked pretty good... but I did it to my 160,000 '98 Jeep Wrangler, and I think it created another hole in the ozone layer, or maybe 2. It smoked in other words. ALOT.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2006 | 11:42 AM
  #26  
mwill15's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Default

I've heard a lot of people sing the praises of Seafoam, but I have one question...

I know that throttle body cleaners can be harsh on valve seals. It is capable of "drying" them out, so to speak. This leads to them leaking as time goes on. What makes Seafoam different from leading cleaners, so that it doesn't have this effect? I would really like to use it, but don't want to harm anything. Please, don't tell me to just use it, and it will be ok; tell me why it will be ok.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2006 | 01:07 PM
  #27  
evilbadz's Avatar
TECH Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 451
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
Default

I vote for a sticky, great writeup
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2006 | 09:51 PM
  #28  
SaudeKeep's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Default

if plugs do fail, will all of them likely be failed or is it possible/common for just a few. how does the fouled plug look and are some cylinders more likely to experience the problem? i am debating removing the injectors and sending them off for cleaning or spending a couple of bucks on seafoam and possibly plugs, still cheaper.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

 Brett Foote
story-1

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-9

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 6, 2006 | 11:31 PM
  #29  
tbick's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (28)
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: imperial, mo
Default

great write-up! i just sea-foamed my 95 camaro today and it sure did smoke, i changed my spark plugs later tonight and to my surprise they were not fouled, but still in great condition, but i figured i would change them anyway. definetly noticed smoother acceleration and idle. i recommend this to anyone, but as said before it is only need probably every 10,000-20,000 miles.
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2006 | 11:40 PM
  #30  
MIDNITE Z's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Romeoville, IL
Default

Originally Posted by _JB_
He is a video of how much smoke can be produced by Seafoam,

http://www.videoshack.us/video/31a0b...ecf206246.html

Reply
Old Jul 8, 2006 | 12:08 AM
  #31  
qwik_ss's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Default

Im going to give it a try tomorrow. Lets see how it goes.
-Ivan
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2006 | 12:19 AM
  #32  
DropTopBird's Avatar
TECH Resident
15 Year Member
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Central PA
Default

i just did a full treatment on my 00 Trans Am w/ 96k on it and it smoked quite a but now it runs great. I followed the write up step by step and had no problems. Awesome job!
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2006 | 12:31 AM
  #33  
ChocoTaco369's Avatar
Thread Starter
Tech Resident
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,117
Likes: 3
From: Philly
Default

Originally Posted by mwill15
I've heard a lot of people sing the praises of Seafoam, but I have one question...

I know that throttle body cleaners can be harsh on valve seals. It is capable of "drying" them out, so to speak. This leads to them leaking as time goes on. What makes Seafoam different from leading cleaners, so that it doesn't have this effect? I would really like to use it, but don't want to harm anything. Please, don't tell me to just use it, and it will be ok; tell me why it will be ok.
okay, i'll answer this as best i can for i have never used the seafoam deep creep. i do, however, know how to use it as i have read multiple tutorials on it so i figured i'd add it in.

will deep creep hurt your valve seals? i have no idea. all i know is, they couldn't possibly sell a product that would wreak havoc on your car and maintain the fabulous reputation the seafoam name has. it's made to clean your throttle body. it has to work. i just would not recommend doing this all the time. maybe every 20,000 miles or such. the few occasional treatments will be harmless. if you're doing this every 500 miles i could foresee a problem. if you do it every half a dozen oil changes, i forsee no issues.

what makes seafoam better than the leading cleaners? well, a few reasons:

1.) it's 100% pure petroleum. it's harmless to the engine.
2.) it's multipurpose. it cleans your cylinders, your oil AND your injectors. what other products are so multifunctional?
3.) it's only 5 bucks! i used to use chevron techron for my injectors (ran it in the gas tank). it was like 8 dollars...and seafoam is just as good if not better! plus, the techron was only good for injector cleaning. you can't put that stuff in your oil or engine!

like i said, it won't harm anything because it's pure petroleum. every time you fill up your car with gasoline you're getting impure petroleum in your engine. gasoline is dirty. it's why your oil gets black and dirty. it's why your exhaust tips get carbon deposits inside. it's why your cylinder banks clog and your pistons get coated with carbon causing your compression to spike and pinging to develop. seafoam is way purer than this. it cleans that gunk out.

as long as you follow the instructions you'll be fine.
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2006 | 12:34 AM
  #34  
ChocoTaco369's Avatar
Thread Starter
Tech Resident
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,117
Likes: 3
From: Philly
Default

Originally Posted by SaudeKeep
if plugs do fail, will all of them likely be failed or is it possible/common for just a few. how does the fouled plug look and are some cylinders more likely to experience the problem? i am debating removing the injectors and sending them off for cleaning or spending a couple of bucks on seafoam and possibly plugs, still cheaper.
i can't answer this. anything can happen. there are no guarantees in life. i can, however, tell you it is unlikely as long as you use seafoam responsibly. what does this mean? don't pour 2 cans of the stuff in your cylinders! half is all you need. don't do this every thousand miles either! do it every, say, 10,000 - 20,000 miles. i've never had a spark plug problem. if your spark plugs go, the seafoam was just the straw that broke the camel's back. that means your spark plugs were screwed anyway.

what i can tell you is if you're planning to change your plugs soon, seafoam it before you change your plugs. no use taking a chance. honestly though, as long as you follow my directions and don't do anything silly, you should be fine.
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2006 | 12:47 AM
  #35  
MIDNITE Z's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Romeoville, IL
Default

Excellent write up!! AAA+++ definatly should be a sticky
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2006 | 12:51 AM
  #36  
ChocoTaco369's Avatar
Thread Starter
Tech Resident
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,117
Likes: 3
From: Philly
Default

Originally Posted by tbick
great write-up! i just sea-foamed my 95 camaro today and it sure did smoke, i changed my spark plugs later tonight and to my surprise they were not fouled, but still in great condition, but i figured i would change them anyway. definetly noticed smoother acceleration and idle. i recommend this to anyone, but as said before it is only need probably every 10,000-20,000 miles.
Originally Posted by DropTopBird
i just did a full treatment on my 00 Trans Am w/ 96k on it and it smoked quite a but now it runs great. I followed the write up step by step and had no problems. Awesome job!
glad to hear it. let us know if you see any positive results (more power, better fuel mpg, better idle quality...). i hope i started a new fad seafoam is something everyone should be familiar with and do a few times.

any questions, PM me. that goes for everyone. i'll do the best i can to help you.
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2006 | 01:17 AM
  #37  
DropTopBird's Avatar
TECH Resident
15 Year Member
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Central PA
Default

My engine is deff running a lot smoother now and the cars got a much better feel to it. There is just one thats happened thats odd, but not necessarily bad. Whenever I start the car theres a weird noise that sounds like somethings resonating coming from the car (cant really tell where). Thats the best way I can describe it. Any thoughts?

Btw has anyone heard of or used Seafoam Trans Tune transmission flush?
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2006 | 01:22 AM
  #38  
ChocoTaco369's Avatar
Thread Starter
Tech Resident
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,117
Likes: 3
From: Philly
Default

Originally Posted by DropTopBird
My engine is deff running a lot smoother now and the cars got a much better feel to it. There is just one thats happened thats odd, but not necessarily bad. Whenever I start the car theres a weird noise that sounds like somethings resonating coming from the car (cant really tell where). Thats the best way I can describe it. Any thoughts?

Btw has anyone heard of or used Seafoam Trans Tune transmission flush?
no idea what the resonance can be, i'd have to hear it just to even make a guess

as for the trans flush, i've never heard of it. i'd be very hesitant to use a trans flush. transmissions don't see dirt/grime/carbon buildup like an engine does. because of that, i don't see the point of flushing a transmission. the only reason i could ever see you requiring a transmission flush is if your fluid is brown or burnt, and in that case, you probably need a new tranny anyway

but i could be wrong. maybe someone's had good results? i dunno, i'd just be nervous, what with a 4L60E and all
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2006 | 01:51 AM
  #39  
DropTopBird's Avatar
TECH Resident
15 Year Member
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Central PA
Default

Yeah I know what you mean about being cautious and with the trans. Im going to be helping my buddy Seafoam his car (95 camaro, should be like a smoke bomb!) and he said he might try it out so if he does Ill let you guys know how it worked out.
Reply
Old Jul 10, 2006 | 09:46 PM
  #40  
brossow's Avatar
Staging Lane
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Mankato, Minnesota
Default

Any thoughts on doing this to a 23K-mile car (that has never before been Seafoamed)? Good idea or waste of time and money at this point?
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:10 AM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 14:55:56


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE