Sea Foam - any good?

[Ryan_M]

Has anyone used "Sea Foam" in their Jeeps - either added to the fuel tank or the crankcase or both? I've read some pretty positive reviews on the stuff but have also heard it can worsen existing leaks and even create new ones as it clears out old sludge.

I'm curious to hear what you 3A'ers have to say about it.

[F Bill]

What problem are you trying to cure?   SeaFoam makes several products, their gas additive for storage is good, and their stuff to soak the cylinders in after storage seems to be adequate but not especially effective. Spendy stuff here at OReillys in TX...

I don't think I'd be using any oil additive designed to clean up the sludge in the system, as it might break loose dirt that could ruin your bearings......I'd rather see you pull the pan and pickup screen and clean them really well instead.  

[Ryan_M]

No specific problem just figured it might clean things up a bit. From the Sea Foam ad:

"Sea Foam Motor Tune - Up. Works and performs instantly! 100% pure petroleum product for use in all gasoline and diesel engines, 2 and 4-cycle: Cleans dirty engine parts internally by removing harmful gums, varnish and carbon build-up; Removes moisture from oil crankcases and fuel tanks..."

I did pull the oil pan last year to clean it and the pick up screen. Didn't know if this Sea Foam was really as good as the claim or if it's a bottle of snake oil. I'd prefer not to risk ruining any bearings with dislodged debris, though. Maybe it is better off caked up right where it is.

[1955CJ-5]

I did not use it in the engine oil (CJ-5) for the reasons F Bill described...it might loosen something that would then plug an oil passage.

I did use it in the fuel tank, as the jeep had been sitting for several years. I drained and rinsed the tank and then I used a can each time I added fuel initially, trying to keep it close to the right ratio. The jeep just kept running better and better, but it may have done so without the Sea Foam as well....I was using premium fuel, no ethanol.

Here is a pic of the fuel filter after several tanks were run through it...

 

I tried it in the fuel in a 97 Landcruiser. No real noticeable difference there.

[Gunslinger]

I use it on all my occasional vehicles, in every tank. The jeep, ATV, lawn mower, chain saw.  Everything that sits for long periods between uses gets sea foam in every tank.  Ever since I started doing that my gas related problems have pretty much gone away.

[Jeff_M]

In the nine years I've spent on farmallcub.com, they continue to love that stuff.  I did try it once, and really didn't see that it made any difference.  But who knows.

[macrisel]

Like mentioned above, I use it in my occasional engines like ATV's, weedeater, chainsaw, generators, lawn mower, antique tractor, and other classic cars.  I like it a little better than Stabil and it helps the smaller motors start a little easier after sitting for a while.  I haven't used it in my 3A yet, but I probably will.

That being said, it was also brought up on another thread by Calvin about using 100LL (aviation gas) in his jeep for storage to combat gum up.  I have an FBO about 1/2 hour away from my house and may give that a shot in the future.

[calvinhunt]

It was actually 1oldracer that brought it about aviation fuel (avgas [100LL]) lasting 8 months or more in your tank without going bad. �I just confirmed what he said. �I do always let my tank get nearly empty before my Jeep hibernates for the winter. �I fill it with avgas and drive it home and park it in the garage. �I do drive it about each 4 weeks just to keep it limbered up. �It's always ready to go in the spring with no problems.  I wouldn't do that with car gas.�

Note: 100LL = 100 octane rating low lead. �

[Jeff_M]

�
100LL = 100 octane rating low lead. �

What does that stuff cost now, about six bucks a gallon?

[calvinhunt]

On our airfield it is going for $5.85 presently. Get it while you can!!