Hey all - Last night I went over to a buddy's house to change the oil on my bike and he asked me if I had ever used Sea Foam before. Shoot, I had never even heard of the stuff. Apparently he puts some in the gas tank of his F4i every now and then and before oil changes he puts a couple ounces into the case, runs the engine for a while then drains the oil. Cleans the internal parts and thins out the oil a bit. I got onto the internet today and it seems like this stuff is really popular with car guys... especially for cars that are not EFI.

Anyone had any experience with this stuff? It sure doesn't sound like it can hurt to use a bit of it and see what it does.

 

IMO the only problem I see with that kind of stuff is that you will always have some residual product left in the engine when draining the oil. My thoughts are if I had to chose to have anything residual left in the engine case after doing an oil change it would be what little bit of old oil that is always left behind. I used to use 5 Minute Engine Flush that is available at most auto parts stores and is basically Kerosene prior to doing oil changes in my cars until a I thought about what I mentioned above.

 

You make a good point about the residual... but I think it may be 6-of-one and half-a-dozen of the other when you look at the "preferred" leftover material in the crankcase. I like the idea that it cleans all the internal moving parts though. However using it as an oil treatment is only one of the applications. See their web site...

http://www.seafoamsales.com/motorTuneUpTechGas.htm

Anyone else have an opinion or use this stuff?

 

I have never used it, but probably will when winter time rolls around again. My wife doesn't ride in the winter, so now I'm having troubles getting her bike to run right. I've heard for years that this stuff is good to use when storing a bike for long periods of time.

Don't know about using it as a regular preventative maintenance thing.

 

I work at an autoparts store and the sea foam works really good. i recomend it alot and most people really like it. they make a few products that are all great.

 

If you guys are serious about cleaning the internals of your engine, look up Auto-Rx. It's a parrafin based product that gently cleans engine internals over the course of a couple of oil changes.

Seafoam is good for the fuel system though... just be sure to use less than the recommend amount in carb'd motors, as it lowers the octane of your fuel somewhat.

 

It might mess with the friction plates of the clutch.

 

I used it on my car, the car is fuel injected tho. I had a serious problem with starting my car after I used it. I may have used too much but my experience with it is not very good. My car smoked and would not start cold for about 2 weeks. It's up to you but I won't't use it anymore.

 

FYI:

I finally put a couple ounces of Sea Foam into the gas tank this weekend after a fill-up and took it for a quick 60 mile trip to let it do it's thing. The performance "boost" is similar to adding a K&N filter I believe! I cannot honestly say that I noticed a major difference, but it certainly did not hurt the bike at all. There may have been a little better throttle response with cleaner injectors, but who knows? My sense of feel for that "increase" isn't that keen! I also noticed a little smoke coming from the Yosh, but from everything I read about the product - that is normal when added to your fuel.

I guess if my bike was a lot older and had really dirty injectors/carbs then I would certainly recommend it. But like I said, it certainly didn't hurt it one bit. Think I'll drop a few ounces in the oil prior to the next change - buddy said it works really well for him. Then maybe I'll use it again for winter storage.

 

Have been working as an auto mechanic for 15 years, got turned on to the Sea Foam about 5 yrs ago by a friend who suggested using it to try and free up a siezed engine, and believe it or not, it worked !! (used engine that turned out to have been in a flooded vehical) Have used it since then in all my cars/boats/bikes/airplanes. Stuff is THE POO !! You def don't want to leave it in the crankcase for a long time, but i'll run mine for a day or two w/ about 1/3 of a can in it then change the oil. Have never had trbl w/it effecting the clutches or anything of the sort. Some in the gas helps too, to keep out moisture, and for winter storage. The inside of the engine in my dakota looks like brand new after 100k miles. Have never been a fan of "fix in a can" type of stuff, but you can't go wrong w/seafoam, unless you get carried away w/it and use too much. GOOD STUFF !!!