SeaFoam = snake oil???

[protomind]

I was thinking of using a product such as seafoam on my 94 4.0, however I can not help but remember my 76 olds 88 with 350 that started leaking like crazy(didnt leak a drop before I used it) after using a 'engine cleaner' before changing my oil. Has anyone had problems with seafoam? Is it worth it? is there perhaps a better product available?

 

[carlover]

I woudnt use seafoam in your oil. However in the intake, and gas tank it is a very good product. Many many people have used it in these ways and have had positive things to say..

 

[Guido0136]

Sorry every one but I'm a newbie.... What is sea foam?

Thank you,

 

[JDraper]

Seafoam is not snake oil. It works very well when used through the intake. Cleans out all the gunk in the air/fuel path. However, you most likely will need new spark plugs after using it. All the gunk from the motor has a tendency to gum 'em up.

 

[Joe Dirt]

the "engine cleaners" like Motor Flush I think are essentially Kerosene. I've never used them, but I could see where they could mess with seals.

Seafoam is not a product like this, but I'd make sure you educate yourself here before you use it- as many stories I've heard about cleaning intakes with it and people had total success, another group seems to have problems with rough running afterwards. I'm not brave enough to try it yet, but I'm sure I'll get there, until then, I just clean my intakes the old fashioned way over the course of a day and a few beers.

 

[fordnut71]

i still use the old timers method. hot motor an cold water in the intake breaks the carbon up.

 

[4.0Rerolpxe]

just yesterday i ran seafoam through my intake, i sucked it right through that little hose that goes to your cruise. it helped with my ping, and rough idle, it also seems to have more pickup.

 

[JDraper]

i still use the old timers method. hot motor an cold water in the intake breaks the carbon up.

That's a good way to warp metal. The old timers didn't have a lot of lightweight components like today's motors do. Thinner castings, lighter components, aluminum intakes, heads, blocks, etc. Many of the new valves are composite in nature and the metals may have different expansion rates. It may have worked well in the old days, but you're playing with fire...

 

[protomind]

I need to look into putting seafoam in the intake and gas tank then. Does anyone have a trusted link or two on the subject? I also purchased some lucas fuel system cleaner which I have yet to try- any thoughts on this?

 

[Payneful13]

I've used the Lucas, it's not bad but doesn't seem to last very long.

 

[Nocturnall]

.....Search the site and you'll find TON'S of information on this as well as lot's and lot's of other stuff.