I changed my oil today and decided to use seafoam also. For those who are not familiar with Seafoam, here's an info link:Sea Foam
It's basically a fuel/engine/emissions cleaner. It's also safe for catalytic converters. This is how I use it in the crankcase (or engine). I use and recommend the following items:

a bottle of Seafoam
a pair of pliers
a plastic cup or measuring cup
a 1/2 " clear vynil tube (at your hardware store) at least 7 inches long

After the car is warm , turn off engine. Use a pair of pliers and take off the tube in the center of the back intake manifold. The other side of this tube goes to the master brake cylinder. Pour about 5 ounces of Seafoam(which is the recommended 1/3 of the bottle ) into a cup and have it ready nearby.


Take the clear vynil hose and put it over the inlet where the stock hose was. This is the place where the Seafoam will enter the engine.


After clear hose is attached , start engine and let idle. The idle will fluctuate as the computer tries to keep the engine alive due to the opening in the engine. Now the inlet with the hose should be sucking in air. Take the hose and draw in Seafoam from a cup. Let the engine "sip" the Seafoam-do not rush it. If you let the engine take too much at one time, the engine will turn off. This process takes about 5 minutes.


After all the Seafoam is taken into the engine, turn off motor. Remove clear hose and replace stock hose. Let stand for 5-10 minutes. After some time, start engine and witness all the buildup in form of smoke shoot out from the tailpipe. You can (and should) go for a ride and rev the engine through the gears to get the gunk out.

 

why would you seafoam such a new car?

 

Why would you want to change the oil? It's all part of routine maintenance. Just because it's a newer car doesn't mean it's going to stay clean. You'd be suprised of all the dirty smoke you'll see after using Seafoam.

 

lol seafoam isnt routine maintenence

 

LOL-You probably haven't used it so try it first before you knock it..in fact do some research also-it helps. Seems like there's always got to be an antagonist.

 

this is used to clean up carbon build up, right?

 

Personately i use some Red Line SI-1 FIC at each fillup... yup! routine maintenance!

Marko!!

 

First, thank you for the DIY and clear explanation/ pics. I love these type of threads where members take the time to share their know-how.

However, while I have heard about Seafoam for a while, I am not sure that the smoke that we see after it's use is really a result of the removal of carbon build up.

I think that white smoke is just the "Seafoam" being burned. I am pretty sure, that if one were to repeat the process over and over that they would get the same amount of "white smoke" after each use even though the their was no time for more "build-up" to occur.

Nevertheless, I keep an open mind to learning new things so thanks for the post!

 

ive done a lot of reading about seafoam use. i even considered on a previous car of mine. i just think it is useless on a new car, possibly even a bad idea

 

Yes, works like a fuel cleaner that you pour into the gas tank. With Seafoam, the proof of cleaning is evident as the dirt and build up comes out of the tailpipe.

SEA FOAM MOTOR TREATMENT for


Small Engine Applications




Works and Performs Instantly

• Stabilizes fuel
• Cleans carburetor
• Cleans carbon
• Removes moisture
• Assures fast starts
• Frees sticky rings
• Restores power
• Upper cylinder lube
• Smooths rough idle

 

Good point, I've actually used it twice in a row on my old Integra and the second time had less smoke. Evident that there was less dirt to clean the second time. I don't think Seafoam can "smoke". I think it'll evaporate before it can smoke while passing thru the engine and exhaust pipes.

 

Well taken and understood. I don't think it's a bad idea or useless . It's not any worse than any engine/fuel cleaner on the market. If you think about all the buildup from combustion in the engine-especially from a daily driver, it's bound to get dirty fast regardless if you have a newer or older car. I've yet to hear about any engine failures due to using Seafoam properly. I'll definitely let you know if my Fit's engine components fail because of Seafoam. To each his own, but I've used this for years starting with my supercharged 96 Integra GSR and never had any probs.

 

what's what i am thinking too, i used it on my last car around 60k, it's scary but fun; i don't think you need to do seafoam so early

 

Isn't it possible to disconnect the other end of the same hose so you don't have to use your own? especially if you don't own a hose..

 

Absolutely! The things I don't like about that is: it's a PITA to remove the hose from the master brake cylinder. You have to reach back in there and it's really tight. The hose may be dirty also, so I'd rather not use the stock hose. The vinyl hose costs cents a foot.

 

In addition to sucking it through the intake, you can also add seafoam to fuel and motor oil. Obviously, don't drive it hard while you have the seafoam in those fluids, and change the oil when the gas is used up.

I use it on my DSM every 10k-15k miles. Good stuff.

 

believe it or not....u can also use basic ATF fluid the same way u would use seafoam. used it on my ca in my 240 and works great. same thing happens nice white ploom of smoke and a nice clean feel after lol

 

I did this today and after letting it sit, the car threw a CEL P0500 - Speed Sensor Malfunction. Luckily I could clear it with my Scangauge.

 

funny how EVERY dealer (no matter what company) and all reputable mechanics say DO NOT USE crap like this
have u ever analyzed the black smoke?
do u know whats in it?
r u sure no gaskets/seals, r being melted away?
r u sure the cats not getting corroded/fouled?
anything else becoming vaporized?

 

how many miles did u get out the car after seafoam was used?
what kind of long term effects have been analyzed?