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I recently came across this Engineers site for Seafoam homebrew, and gave it a try. First tried it out in the lawnmower, then weedwacker, then home generator, then Hyundai SUV, then 1970 Corvette. Worked well and noticed a smoother running engine in all i put it in. $1.36 per homebrew pint versus $9.00 store bought pint is ok by me. Im leary of snake oils, but this stuff truly does work and has been a favorite with mechanics since the 1940's . I use it regularly for the intake, fuel, and crankcase for 5 min. at idle just before changing the oil . Homebrew Sea Foam (SeaFoam) Motor Treatment Recipe
Have you got a homemade recipe on anything automotive ?
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I once tested the theory of better mileage by adding acetone to the gas. It was a '72 El Camino I had until about 2008, with a 350 4 barrel V8. I was getting 11 mpg, with 330 hp. With the first tank I got the same 11, but it ran smoother and seemed to have more power. On the second tank same thing.
Went back to just gas and it remained exactly the same. My opinion was that it helped to clean out the fuel system, like adding a can of seafoam or gumout, but did not help with gas mileage at all.
I once tested the theory of better mileage by adding acetone to the gas. It was a '72 El Camino I had until about 2008, with a 350 4 barrel V8. I was getting 11 mpg, with 330 hp. With the first tank I got the same 11, but it ran smoother and seemed to have more power. On the second tank same thing.
Went back to just gas and it remained exactly the same. My opinion was that it helped to clean out the fuel system, like adding a can of seafoam or gumout, but did not help with gas mileage at all.
I did the same with a 199? Mazda 626. First tank helped. Second and consecutive tanks did not. I did notice an MPG increase of about 2 MPG, but came to the same conclusion that it just cleaned the fuel system.
I used to mix in toluene (117 octane) with great results on a turbo car. I was able to support 21 psi of boost on pump gas with it in early 90's technology
I used to mix in toluene (117 octane) with great results on a turbo car. I was able to support 21 psi of boost on pump gas with it in early 90's technology
I've never messed with making my own Sea-Foam and I don't think i'm going to try it or recommend anyone else do so either.
I will tell you that here at the shop we use SeaFoam regularly and recommend it to our customers but we only recommend it as a gas treatment and intake valve cleaner. I have never recommended the use of any kind of motor flush so I don't feel comfortable telling someone to pour this in their oil.
I also DO NOT recommend you try sucking this into your intake. The way we do it is to pour Seafoam in a spray bottle and use that to spray a MIST into the throttle body while cranking the motor then spray it directly into the cylinders with the plugs removed. (NOTE. You should disable the fuel pump so the motor can not start.), Let the whole thing sit for about 15 mins then spin the motor over to remove any excess fluid. Put everything bake together and start the motor. Take it for a drive. Pour whatever remaining SeaFoam you have left into the gas tank and you're done.
I've never messed with making my own Sea-Foam and I don't think i'm going to try it or recommend anyone else do so either.
I will tell you that here at the shop we use SeaFoam regularly and recommend it to our customers but we only recommend it as a gas treatment and intake valve cleaner. I have never recommended the use of any kind of motor flush so I don't feel comfortable telling someone to pour this in their oil.
I also DO NOT recommend you try sucking this into your intake. The way we do it is to pour Seafoam in a spray bottle and use that to spray a MIST into the throttle body while cranking the motor then spray it directly into the cylinders with the plugs removed. (NOTE. You should disable the fuel pump so the motor can not start.), Let the whole thing sit for about 15 mins then spin the motor over to remove any excess fluid. Put everything bake together and start the motor. Take it for a drive. Pour whatever remaining SeaFoam you have left into the gas tank and you're done.
Thanks for commenting. I have a few thoughts in order :
1. I think it is perfectly alright to trust the R and D Dept. at Seafoam when they advertise it for the oil crankcase as well as intake and fuel system. Can u imagine the lawsuits and public outcry if engines were getting ruined from following Seafoams instructions on their cans ?? Seasoned mechanics have used Seafoam since the 1940's with good success and safety.
2. Ive always used the original Seafoam (and now my brew) in the crankcase and run it at idle for 5 minutes just before changing the oil. It has a lubricant in the formula which allows it to be miscible with engine oil and even gear oil . They now have a simular formuala for auto transmissions but i havent tried that . Ive never experienced any trouble from adding it to the crankcase and in fact, it has eliminated valve lifter noise on one car i owned. I think its important that all those tiny diameter oil journals get cleaned out so engine oil can thoroughly reach all bearings . Just did my 1970 BB Corvette the other day with the Brew in the crankcase...and got alot of liquid black discoloration when draining. I let it drain overnight however, before adding fresh oil. I also feed it down the carb venturis while running, the bowl vents, and the air bleeds. Its never run smoother and more responsive .
3. I hope you arent spraying seafoam thru the MAF sensor while running the car (?) . I assume you are introducing seafoam downstream of that. I spay seafoam into the intake on my two generators i have...home and RV and purposely stall the motor then let it sit for 5 min. before restarting.
I used to mix in toluene (117 octane) with great results on a turbo car. I was able to support 21 psi of boost on pump gas with it in early 90's technology
Any potential problems from allowing Toluene come in contact with rubber components like fuel lines, etc ??? I may have read an article which said it deteriorates rubber surfaces, but i could be wrong.
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