How to: Seafoam Your 4.0 SOHC

[ExploreTHEWorld]

Sploder Innards need cleaning please assist good Sirs.

Well I'm running a 4.0L OHV 98' sport and I have no idea where to poor my can of Seafoam in (Engine wise). Is the booster alright in a OHV if I want a good clean or is there some better way? The bottle says the entry point should be able to coat all cylinders so idk.

I took off my Air Intake today and got the idea that perhaps I can just pour it right into the throttle body. Any suggestions would be amazing as my mechanic friend down the street smiled brightly when I mentioned SeaFoam and upon asking where I should put it in my engine he said Gas tank... Sigh....

For those unfamiliar with the OHV

I just wanna clean the engine out after I get some gas tommorow so that my trip down to Pennsylvania will be uneventful, and this thing will pass its first inspection.

Peace and thank you fellow SPLODERSSSSSS.

Sorry if this a retardedly noob question but the only thread I could fine was for 5.0L V8's and the SOHC

 

[Paraphoe]

I was curious about all that smoke. Is that what is supposed to happen after a seafoam treatment? Does that smoke clear up in short order or not? To me that looks like you have some serious trouble.

It was gone in roughly 1/2 mile of driving. I left my driveway, drove roughly 1 mile around my development, and the smoke disappeared halfway. It's just the clearing out of the seafoam/deposits and is common after treatment.

 

[tnhusker]

So the smoke clears up quickly. That is good. Prior to joining this forum I heard of Seafoam but never heard of what it was used for. It sure seems popular here.

 

[dj210]

Ya it clears up quick, as for the brake boost, that's what I did. Poured half in the oil and half into that line, waited about 20 mins and turned it on. You should let it idle for a few mins and rev the engine to 3k a few times then drive the rest out which won't take but a mile or so. But beware the amount of smoke is pretty rediculous, but hell you know its really workin unlike those gas additives

 

[aldive]

but hell you know its really workin unlike those gas additives

How do you know its working?

 

[Shen2187]

You don't not until you start burning oil like crazy, or it actually starts running better.

 

[Tavery1]

Hey guys about to go do this have a question or two sorry to up a "dead thread"

1)I'm at about 105xxx miles and don't want to change plugs right after, this would be the first time I have seafoamed it I've heard that you "need" to change plugs right after since seafoam can effect them if something gets knocked loose

2)Also can I just use the IAC hose line or do I need to make a "t valve"?

Thanks.

 

[IamIam]

BUMP. I'm in the same boat as Tavery1.

I've got a '98 SOHC that's never been "Seafoamed". I'm due for some general tune-up items (oil, plugs, wires) anyway so I was curious about the accepted "best practice".

Would you guys suggest this?

1. Use the IAC method plus a little in the oil, then drive to clear the smoke and wash the Seafoam through the oiling system.

2. Changing the oil, plugs, and wires.

3. Enjoy driving my newly spruced up truck.

 

[aldive]

I would never add it to the oil.

 

[Shen2187]

Alright alright... I gave in and tried it. It made a little difference for a while but after 1000 miles it's back to it's old self.

I sucked half in the main vacuum line, let it sit 20 minutes, dumped the rest in the tank, fired it up and watched the smoke show.

It had some power and torque back and it ran a bit smoother. Now the power and torque is back to normal but it's still running smooth. It must have cleaned out the injectors.

I did NOT put it in my oil though. Only thing that goes in my oil pan is oil.
I also didn't change the plugs since I had changed them and the wires recently.

So it does work, I suppose.

 

[IamIam]

OK. Shortly after my last post I stopped by the gas station and put half the can in and filled up. I used the cover of night to hit a secluded parking lot and situated myself under a light. It was a bit difficult as I was a one man show, but after a couple attempts I was able to start the truck and run around to the front to nurse the throttle and keep it running. I started pouring the Seafoam through a funnel into the IAC line and about the time I was finishing up the bottle, white smoke was starting from the rear. I blipped the throttle to kill the motor and as I was returning all the lines to normal when a minivan pulled up and the driver rolled down the window to check on me. I thanked them for the concern and explained I was doing an "engine flush", the smoke was normal, and that's why I picked the parking lot instead of my driveway. I let it sit for the 20-30 mins and started it back up, a little trouble but not bad, and then the smoke started to roll. I beat feet out of the parking lot but got stuck at a light behind a pickup. I laughed as I fogged his truck and when the light turned green it was off to the races.

I'm not sure how much benefit there was, it could very well be perceived. Like I said, I'd added it to the fuel and topped it with premium (not normal), plus it was cool so the performance difference could have hinged on a lot of factors.

Bottom line, it shouldn't hurt anything and I had fun doing it. Also I've got to echo Shen on the oil bit. I'm sure that if you change the oil right after you might not have any ill effects, but I'd recommend erring on the side of caution and only put oil in the oil pan.

 

[aldive]

and topped it with premium (not normal),

Why the premium gas?

 

[IamIam]

I run a tank of premium through from time to time. Again, it's probably only a perceived benefit, but I did it because I wanted to "treat" the truck.

Since I was running some Seafoam through the fuel system, I thought I'd wash it down with premium in an effort to help clean out any buildup.

 

[storlied]

Correct me if I'm wrong but.. Unless something with your timing is off and you're pinging, premium isn't going to do anything for you in a stock application. The only difference in these fuels are the octane ratings, the more octane.. the more it takes to light up. Get yourself a higher octane tune and it'll be worth it.. but stock it's a waste.

 

[Shen2187]

Well at 300,000+ miles I half expected it to clean the top end too well and uncover a problem but it didn't. It also didn't fix that stuck lifter problem I get on cold days.

 

[IamIam]

I'll admit I was a little worried the seafoam would create a new problem at the expense of some potential one. So far everything has worked out. Now I have a new goal Shen, 300K! I'm only halfway there, but your truck has had a few years headstart.

 

[Shen2187]

It sure makes it a bit more exciting doing errands. And there is a bit of relief when it gets me home without grenading itself. I mean I'm not exactly nice to it, 4,500 RPM is not uncommon for me.

Add in the off-road life, jumping, climbing, and swimming it takes some abuse. All I do is regular maintenance, oil, plugs, filters and rotate the tires. Then check the hubs, bearings and diffs after each off-road outing.

I had to replace my alternator a few months ago, that is my fault though, my amplifier killed it. It must just be one of the good ones. And I'm lucky to have become it's driver.

 

[nas0915]

I have a question... I have a 96' xlt 4.0 I look under the hood and i cannot find the IAC line. The only line that comes off my air intake is a line that goes to the engine oil refill cap. I need some help

 

[Shen2187]

I have a question... I have a 96' xlt 4.0 I look under the hood and i cannot find the IAC line. The only line that comes off my air intake is a line that goes to the engine oil refill cap. I need some help

Do you know if it is SOHC or OHV?

If it's OHV, I just poured half of the seafoam in a jar, popped the main (big) Vac line, stuck it in the jar, started the truck, took it about 3 seconds to suck it up.

There is a different way for the SOHC that I have no clue about.

 

[nas0915]

Do you know if it is SOHC or OHV?

If it's OHV, I just poured half of the seafoam in a jar, popped the main (big) Vac line, stuck it in the jar, started the truck, took it about 3 seconds to suck it up.

There is a different way for the SOHC that I have no clue about.

I guessing its a OHV because its 96' and SOHC were introduced in 97' if i'm correct...
anyways now where is the main vaccum line?