Reply To: Seafoam

[David Stanton]

Depends what you are using it for and which Seafoam product. Seafoam fogger in a spray can is commonly sprayed into carbs with the motor idling to coat internal parts for winter storage, and that works.
On my inboard/outboard ski boat which has a V6 Chevy block built up for marine use by Mercury, I dump about 1/2 can of regular Seafoam slowly down the carb at a fast idle then shut it off for winter storage to coat/protect valves and upper cylinder. An old friend who restored and ran cabin cruisers on the Mississippi told me that was standard procedure for everyone at his marina, and I respect his opinion so I believe that is a good use for Seafoam.
When dumped in the gas to cure motor problems, it may occasionally help dislodge some dirt, but my 2 cents on that use is that it probably will not be a quick fix if your carb has problems and/or needs a good cleanout. Get a spray can of carb cleaner and disassemble and clean it properly.
On the other hand, if Seafoam does not cure a problem, I don’t think it will do any harm, other than maybe cause the spark plugs to foul a bit faster, and you are only out the price of a can of it for trying.
My brother-in-law puts seafoam in the gas for his newer 4-stroke Yamaha for winter storage and says someone told him it stabilizes the gas – I don’t know if that works or not, but he has not had gas storage issues. I add nothing to ethanol-free gas for storage, just fill the tank to eliminate most of the air and I never have gas storage issues.
Dave