seafoam-have you used it

[tim_ber]

After reading the carb cleaning thread.

I read a bit about seafoam. Anyone had experience or know about it?

I have used Forte additives in car engines and it is great stuff (expensive too).

Can seafoam be used to de-carb 2 stroke o/b engines safely?

Four strokes?

Can it be used in diesel cars?

Any negative affects?

One forum stated it was just a pale oil distillate and not much use. Others seem to think it is great???

I'm always on the lookout for easy ways of keeping my engines tip-top. Had to soak a carb in cleaner for 2 days once (an engine that was given to me - very old and neglected)

Now the video show a lot of smoke (and being blue in colour, that indicates oil burn I think, so is it just a simple oil and does not actually clean / de-carbon?)

Links I found are:
http://www.seafoamsales.com/
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6187290865726229173#
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt_oXKxe3wo&NR=1&feature=fvwp

 

[VicS]

Seems to be very popular in the USA

Yes can be used to decarb two stroke outboards See http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158076.

Note new plugs recommended at the end of the treatment

Generally they like to use it as a fuel additive too but Sta-bil seems to be the most favoured stabiliser. E10 fuels are a bit of a nightmare in the US I think (and E15 could now be on the way!

There is a version for diesel engines but you don't pour into into the air intake like you do with a gasoline engine. That would be exciting!

 

[tim_ber]

Now you know your outboards Vic. Have you ever had a problem with a coked up o/b? They are meant to be run hard anyway aren't they (2 stroke).

Do you think it is worth trying?

3 out of my 4 little engines are fine (if it ain't broke, leave it alone), the old ev. is another matter and when I get around to it...

So is this Seafoam a treatment for ailing engines or any good as a preventative treatment do you think?

By the by... I lay up my little mariner (2 stroke - 1990 model - looks mint) by flushing, shutting off fuel, hoping most fresh water runs out, (a couple of pulls on cord too), WD 40 over electrics, squirting neat 2 stroke oil into cylinder, and another pull. New spark, new season, quick check that carb bowl is clean. Is that enough do you think, or do you buy one of those sprays to choke off the engine at lay up time?

 

[VicS]

No I have not had any problems with a coked outboard ... but I dont have one that has run a huge number of hours.

I keep an eye on the iboats forums, at least the Johnson Evinrude one, and decoking using Seafoam is quite often recommended by the experts there. Not only for decoking as such but they reckon it can free up sticking rings and improve the compression.

I am sure there are those in this country who would dimiss the stuff as "snake oil" but over there they really are keen on it.

When laying up I did use fogging oil for many years but last year my local chandler suggested squirting in 2stroke oil from an oil can instead. I actually used a trigger spray bottle.
The point of doing it via the carb while the engine is running is that it gets around all the bearings as well.
Downside is that the carb is still full of fuel unless you drain/empty it out. Not really practical on my 'rude so I don't bother.

Next most important thing is to change the gearcase oil.

 

[tim_ber]

Cheers

A friend just had a professional service and they said they always pressure test the gearbox. Wow. Excellent stuff.

My Yamaha obviously needs a new seal, because the oil milks, but I use it very little and just drain and renew the oil very frequently - must get round to doing that job.