SeaFoam or water cylinder cleaning opinions wanted

[Domush]

I've used SeaFoam in my gasoline engines for a few years, now. I can't say it is a night and day difference as a before and after effect, but then again, they run pretty well anyways. I mainly do it as a preventative measure rather than a fix for lack of maintenance.

I mentioned its use in the Rolled my tractor thread, as it seems the smoke in one cylinder issue may be caused by a sticking lifter, something SeaFoam is meant to cure (at least lessen). Universally, that recommendation has been ignored by all subsequent posters (as well as the original poster) and I'm left wondering if I missed some big debate as to whether SeaFoam (or water injection) has been proven to be pointless or even harmful in diesel engines or if I'm simply being ignored. After all, I'd much rather be the guy giving no advice than bad advice. :ashamed:

I have read on plenty of diesel forums recommendations to use it, and never once came across a recommendation to avoid it, but then again I wasn't looking for either and may have missed the 'nay' side of things.

So, what is your take on SeaFoam (or water injection) in a diesel? Helpful, harmful or waste of money and time?

 

[Car Doc]

Sea Foam and water do only one thing similar to an engine and that is break up stuck on carbon and that is rarely an issue with modern no-lead computer controlled fuel injected gas engines.

Cant say about diesels but I wouldn't put much water thru one that is an old school gas engine tune-up tool for lack of better terms.

The rolled tractor thread he has only 60 hrs on it and I will almost guarantee it beyond a doubt it will need a crank and at least 1 rod an additive isn't going to do anything.

Sea Foam is also used for cleaning crankcases up between oil changes and obviously you dont put water in oil to accomplish that and it will clean fuel systems if used in the fuel tank just some dissimilaritys between them.

 

[Domush]

Thanks car doc. That makes sense. I must have missed the 60 hours part.. how awful . It certainly makes sense why the stuck valve guess was dismissed. No way in **** a valve will get stuck that fast.

I always wondered exactly how much carbon build up was really being removed when an engine would smoke like crazy while getting SeaFoam treatment. It certainly always looks impressive, but isn't that how most snake oil treatments work? . I'd love to see a before and after cylinder head and piston assembly. Makes me wonder if I could even tell a difference.

For laughs, here are some SeaFoam vids:
Sea Foam Treatment in Civic and Integra - YouTube
My Mustang after Seafoam Engine Treatment - YouTube
1998 Dodge Dakota Seafoam treatment 5.2L V8 - YouTube
my s70 seafoam treatment - YouTube

 

[Car Doc]

Hey no problem I feel for the guy too thats a bad deal all around.

I use Sea Foam btw its a good product I do the 1/3 in the oil 1/3 in the tank and the last sprayed in the throttle body with a pressurized 1 qt spray can on map sensor cars while they run.

And the maf sensor cars besides wiping the throttle plate off good on both systems the maf sensor cars get the other 1/3 can Sea Foam sprayed in the intake and let sit 30 minutes since they wont run with the air tube off.

I use their Deep Creep spray oil love that stuff one of the few spray oils that will spray upside down and I am standing on my head a lot in my business . :thumbsup:


Yeah you talk about smoke holy cow they leave a white streak down the hiway hahaha the look on some peoples faces is funny I dont know either how well it works but it sure does make an impression. :laughing:

This is pure academics here but I left out the unleaded fuel was a big help in keeping carbon out and the super close tolerances dont allow much oil to get by rings and guides etc to carbon up combustion chambers.

fwtw I am not a diesel mechanic so I dont know for sure what those guys do. I know the dynamics of all engines but the fine details I dont know much on diesels as far as little tricks here and there.