Seafoam…….. good or bad idea

[Myfirstz71]

My Z71 is new to me. It’s a 2011 with 154k. It is in generally good condition but I’m working to upgrade some overdue items. One thing that was recommended to me was to use Seafoam in the oil and in the gas tank to assist in cleaning up internals of the engine. I’m sure there are multiple opinions but I’m curious if this would be a good thing to do. Or if there is a better product to accomplish the same thing if it’s worth doing.

Thanks everyone

 

[wjburken]

I have used Seafoam in both the fuel tank and the oil of vehicles I’ve just purchased. I will put some in the oil then do an oil change after driving 40-50 miles. Then it gets synthetic oil and don’t have a need for it going forward.

 

[Bill 1960]

What I do with a used vehicle I don’t know the history of is short oil change intervals. Change it every 1k miles or so and see what condition the drained oil is.

If it’s clean and tan, more or less, the engine has been well maintained and I’ll switch to my regular 5k or so intervals.

If it comes out black and nasty after 1k then it’s sludged up to some degree, and I just keep changing at 1k until it clears up.

This method dissolves deposits gradually and moves them into solution or into the filter.

Alternately, a dose of solvent can break loose large amounts of crud quickly and possibly clog an oil passage. Then maybe you’ll drop a lifter and everyone will blame it on AFM

A properly running engine I don’t put anything in it but good oil and quality fuel.

 

[intheburbs]

I use Seafoam in all my gas engines, from my Honda weed-whacker to my vehicles.

I use Seafoam 3 ways in my vehicles...
1) Full can, once a year or so, in the fuel tank.
2) Half a can in the crank case, right before an oil change. I drive about 10-20 minutes/miles, then change the oil.
3) Half a can sucked into the brake vacuum hose. Shut it off and let sit for 15 minutes. Start engine and enjoy the smoke show. Caution - may startle your neighbors. Once a year or so, especially vehicles over 100k miles.

If you keep an eye out for sales, it can be had for as little as $6 a can. But I haven't bought in a while, not sure how prices are currently with the imaginary inflation.

 

[Myfirstz71]

Thanks for the ideas. Great help.

Cheers

 

[Joseph Thomas]

I have always used seafoam too. I run 1 ounce per gallon in my gas tank about 3 times a year. And once a year I will run 2 ounces per gallon. I do the same with oil changes. I will run 1 ounce per quart of oil but I will do that and drive about 500 miles prior to an oil change. I do this twice a year. I have been doing this for about five years on my Tahoe and it has 135,000+ miles on it. She runs pretty good.

 

[Just Fishing]

I like seafoam.

But with my tahoe, there were many different owners...

I don't know for sure if this was the issue, but i opted to use some seafoam before an oil change and mobile 1.


Lots of different owners on my tahoe, so i have no clue what was used.
I also saw extended oil changes in the carfax.

Mileage was close to what i expect the oil change light to reflect.

Now if you know exactly what was used like with the one owner buick that we bought my wife.
You're safe.

If it's like my tahoe, then tread carefully.

I ended up with a jello like substance in the bottom of my pan.

Gritty crud.
I found my oil pumps internal pressure regulator was bound up and resulted in lower than expected oil pressure...

If it's like my tahoe, start with quality oil and work up from there.
Few oil changes, then put in a quarter can of seafoam before the next oil change.

Then for good measure, change the filter once more after a hundred miles...

My experience is rare, and so far I'm the only one.. lol

My issues are likey compounded by some other unknown issues.
Red flags like lots of owners, many having it for leas than a year.
So who knows.

That said.
I will be using seafoam with the new engine.
To keep lifters and crud build up down, etc.

Safe when you know the history.

 

[CMoore711]

I’ve never used seafoam, but it seems simple enough.

Interested in some input on if it would be a good idea to do or start to do at normal intervals on our rigs.
2013 ESV w/ 105K miles
2015 Yukon XL Denali w/ 127K miles

Have never used seafoam in either vehicle. We have owned each since about 22-25K miles. Oil changes always at 3-4000 mile intervals with Mobil1 or Amsoil.

I’ve ran Techron fuel system cleaner in the fuel tank at similar intervals as oil changes.

 

[Tyrant]

I've thrown everything from diesel to ATF into a really crusty engine for a quick "ghetto tune-up" over the years... What I kept going back to in the end was a mix of CHEAP ATF and CHEAP oil, driven for 2-3 days (basically just your short commute), then drain and fill with quality synthetic.

I wouldn't suggest driving with diesel today, but I would absolutely let it idle in the driveway for a bit and drain it immediately after. Using all of the above, I have pulled valve covers before and after to see a shocking improvement.

I have used seafoam a handful of times over the years and it has at least SEEMED to help with HLA tick in my OHC engines. I haven't tried it with anything OHV, so I can't really speak to the efficacy there.