Seafoam

[murphy1244]

JUST FOR EVERYONES INFO, Seafom wont cure everything. I had a weedwhacker that I thought had a carb problem and used Seafoam in it. Ran it, let it soak in a 50/50 mix and no change. It cranked good, idled good but wouldnt rev up. I set it aside for about 8 months with the Seafoam in the tank. A couple days ago, I thought let me check that again. Still same issue, it cranked on second pull but still wouldnt rev up. I was going to a small engine repair place to get some saw parts so, why not take in the weed whacker.
Got it back yesterday and $27.50 later it runs like new. VERDICT: The engine had a fine screen (spark Arrestor? maybe) on the exhaust which was about half stopped up with carbon buildup. The shop completely removed the screen and now it runs great.
Just thought I would pass this tidbit along in case someone else has come across the same problem.

PS: The shop said that the carbon was from incomplete combustion due to running the engine at less than full throttle. I had been doing that quiet a bit when using a steel blade attachment for cutting sawbriars and other vines along an old fence line since many times I would be hitting hitting rocks and old wire among other immovable objects so I didnt want it turning full throttle.

Thats very common with WW, I soak the exhaust in gas overnight then runs like new.

 

[EE_Bota]

Thats very common with WW, I soak the exhaust in gas overnight then runs like new.

Agreed, I have even seen it in some users manuals.

 

[donpauli]

I agree and the equipment could leap tall buildings in a single bound. Indeed both products seem to work as advertised, something highly unusual today

 

[Joebklyn]

I just royally screwed up my 20 year old Sears ride on with a 17hp Kohler using Seafoam down the carb look me up to read the tale. Proceed with caution. I was able to fix my problem but I was shopping for a new one and not a happy camper.

 

[bcp]

Were you using the liquid? I've only heard of the spray version directly into the carb. Usually the liquid is added to the fuel tank.

http://seafoamsales.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/HOW2_Sea-Foam-Spray-Small-Engine-Carburetor.pdf

Sea Foam Sales Company - HOW 2 Instructions

Bruce

 

[Texasmark]

I do. Learned about it from the "big guns" on a boating forum. Haven't been without it since in all types of engines.

 

[Oldpath05]

I just royally screwed up my 20 year old Sears ride on with a 17hp Kohler using Seafoam down the carb look me up to read the tale. Proceed with caution. I was able to fix my problem but I was shopping for a new one and not a happy camper.

I did, it was a good story.............Now I'll look up this Seafoam stuff, never used it, I know I live in a cave.

 

[Oldpath05]

Guess this stuff does work, what a difference on this Ford Ranger>> Seafoam--can't believe what it did to my engine!! - YouTube

 

[4get gto]

I just royally screwed up my 20 year old Sears ride on with a 17hp Kohler using Seafoam down the carb look me up to read the tale. Proceed with caution. I was able to fix my problem but I was shopping for a new one and not a happy camper.

Respectfully I'm not sure if it was the SF or how it was used.:confused3:

 

[3930dave]

Guess this stuff does work, what a difference on this Ford Ranger>> Seafoam--can't believe what it did to my engine!! - YouTube

I've used it for years in small engines. This Spring was a good example - my Briggs push-mower: has had better than average to Good maintenance and fuel (and a new plug late the previous season), but was running slightly rough. Dosed @ close to the recommended amount, after about 3 minutes it was purring like it should.

Like Gary's example (output-side restriction), SF won't cure everything, and it usually needs some flow through a carb jet to allow it to get to work....... if a carb has sat long enough that the jet is totally plugged, you may need a new jet, et al.....

I'll also use SF as a fuel injector cleaner in road vehicles - many gas engines don't have fuel filters anymore, and using a cleaner once in a while can help.

I don't like dosing with SF in really high concentrations - I'd only do it in an emergency (ex. extended power outage, only generator down.....) - if your problem is that pronounced, then a carb tear-down/replacement is probably in order....

It's actually a very old product..... legend has it that it all came about from the founder's love of fishing....

Rgds, D.