Seafoam

[Jim Brierley]

Will Seafoam clean a carb, or more accurately keep it clean, after the car has been sitting for awhile? I don't drive my widebed very often, and the Weber carb often has plugged accelerator pump action. It is a chore for me to remove the carb and clean the passageways. TIA, Jim B

[McMimmcs]

Seafoam makes a product called Tune-up. It may well help clean it but I doubt unless continuous use it will stay clean.

[jayvee34]

I have used Seafoam on later model cars with hydraulic lifters. Worked well, but have not tried it for a carb cleaner.

[noboD]

Jim, I have used it in my '70 Ford pickup that sits a lot. It smooths out the idle after using it for a while.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Jim, the basic answer is yes. Ideally you can use a plastic straw on the end of an aerosol can of carburetor cleaner to start the initial dissolving of the dried gasoline. I am assuming you are using an electric pump, but however you can mix some Seafoam in about a 50/50 mixture and get it into the carb. bowl, it will likely start working on the accelerator pump circuit too.

Once you have it cleaned, find a small municipal airport where you can purchase some 100LL fuel for your boat in a jug, and then install that into your truck's fuel tank away from the airport. The AV gas does not sour or taint like ethanol fuels do, so this should keep the passageways open during stowage. Around here, we are paying about $5.30 a gallon for the AV gas, but it is a much better solution IMO.

[Y-Blockhead]

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Originally Posted by Jim Brierley

Will Seafoam clean a carb, or more accurately keep it clean, after the car has been sitting for awhile? I don't drive my widebed very often, and the Weber carb often has plugged accelerator pump action. It is a chore for me to remove the carb and clean the passageways. TIA, Jim B

I haven't been driving my '06 F-150 much due to Covid and no where to go. About a month ago I filled the tank and the fuel gas didn't move, probably from sitting on ¼ full for a couple of months. I added a can (16oz) to the tank and after awhile the gauge went to full. So it must have cleaned the gunk off of the sending unit. Sure didn't want to drop that tank!! Happy Camper.

I always add 1oz per gal. to my Town Sedan at fill up as among the other claims on the can it starts that it "stabilizes" and "controls moisture" in fuels.

[woofa.express]

below is part of what was posted by Brent 10 uh c today; (posting number 5) supporting his recommendation to make a purchase from a small airport

Once you have it cleaned, find a small municipal airport where you can purchase some 100LL fuel for your boat in a jug, and then install that into your truck's fuel tank away from the airport. The AV gas does not sour or taint like ethanol fuels do, so this should keep the passageways open during stowage. Around here, we are paying about $5.30 a gallon for the AV gas, but it is a much better solution IMO.[/QUOTE]

Boat owners believed avgas improved the performance of the engines in their boats and came to me to buy. I always obliged even though I had my doubts about this extra performance.
Once when I was working in the desert I took a truck to Kalgoorlie with a load of recently decanted avgas drums to refill. I had to do this from the airside and although I had airside approval I found the fuel company operators most reluctant to sell because they didn’t know the history of the 44gal drums. Blind Freddy could see they were pristine and painted appropriately plus my airside pass and pilot licence didn’t mean much at all to them. They took much convincing but did sell it reluctantly to me and told me not to come again.
To buy fully approved fuel from the oil company in new fully approved new drums was an additional 593 miles west.
Just another example of initiative and imagination being removed from those working in many industries. Probably directed by university trained executives who had never ever walked in the dust.

[rfitzpatrick]

Blind Freddy !?? I think I worked with him once. We'd just done a Cessna 206 check.
He was great!

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by woofa.express

below is part of what was posted by Brent 10 uh c today; (posting number 5) supporting his recommendation to make a purchase from a small airport

Once you have it cleaned, find a small municipal airport where you can purchase some 100LL fuel for your boat in a jug, and then install that into your truck's fuel tank away from the airport. The AV gas does not sour or taint like ethanol fuels do, so this should keep the passageways open during stowage. Around here, we are paying about $5.30 a gallon for the AV gas, but it is a much better solution IMO.

Boat owners believed avgas improved the performance of the engines in their boats and came to me to buy. I always obliged even though I had my doubts about this extra performance.
Once when I was working in the desert I took a truck to Kalgoorlie with a load of recently decanted avgas drums to refill. I had to do this from the airside and although I had airside approval I found the fuel company operators most reluctant to sell because they didn’t know the history of the 44gal drums. Blind Freddy could see they were pristine and painted appropriately plus my airside pass and pilot licence didn’t mean much at all to them. They took much convincing but did sell it reluctantly to me and told me not to come again.
To buy fully approved fuel from the oil company in new fully approved new drums was an additional 593 miles west.
Just another example of initiative and imagination being removed from those working in many industries. Probably directed by university trained executives who had never ever walked in the dust.
[/QUOTE]


The reason I suggested telling them it was for a boat is that it is against the law to use Av gas in a motor vehicle operating on public roads is because federal & state highway taxes have not been collected.

[Jeff/Illinois]

SeaFoam isn't too bad but I've had better luck with Gumout Tune-Up with PEA.

PEA means 'PolyEther-Amine' which is a potent Nitrogen based detergent cleaner, that will attack deposits better than SeaFoam does. It is like what you find in Shell gasoline, V-Power with Nitrogen, their Premium grade gasoline. Great stuff. Run a few tanks full Shell V-Power thru your everyday driver it really scours the injectors clean and burns off carbon deposits and gunk.

Has to be good for a Model A too just haven't tried it in the A yet

Check out their web site it explains the science behind it.


https://gumout.com/our-ingredients/

[Ayers1]

Drove my dad's A a couple of years ago and it popped and bucked all 5 miles to my house. Topped it off with non-ethanol fuel and a pint of seafoam. It ran ragged the first mile and was fine after that.
That's my experience.

[Chris in WNC]

Originally Posted by Jeff/Illinois

Run a few tanks full Shell V-Power thru your everyday driver it really scours the injectors clean and burns off carbon deposits and gunk.

Has to be good for a Model A too just haven't tried it in the A yet

Check out their web site it explains the science behind it.


https://gumout.com/our-ingredients/

Thanks for this info.
Our modern vehicles (2000 Ranger truck and 2016 Hyundai) occasionally sputter and run rough.
Since it is not a consistent problem I've assumed it was occasional tanks of sub-par gas.
Read somewhere (Consumer Reports or similar?) that putting premium gas in a vehicle designed for 87 octane is a waste of money, but I might try a few tanks of this Shell V-power. It may cost less than the ethanol-free that I put in the Model A.......

[Jack Shaft]

Drive it more, nothing sits well, from cars to humans to eating a bad clam.

[johnneilson]

While I am not using SeaFoam or any other additives in the gas, I can relate this story.
My neighbor had a motorhome, 100 gallon gas tank. He filled it and added 2 or 3 bottles of SeaFoam. After 6 months, he went to drive it, no joy. The SeaFoam had settled to the bottom and since the solvents are not volitle enough the engine would not run.
We had to pull the pump from the tank, wash it out with gas and purge the injectors. Then we could fire the engine and then drain the tank.
In the words of a wise man "There are no magic mechanics in a can"

John

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by Chris in WNC

Thanks for this info.
Our modern vehicles (2000 Ranger truck and 2016 Hyundai) occasionally sputter and run rough.
Since it is not a consistent problem I've assumed it was occasional tanks of sub-par gas.
Read somewhere (Consumer Reports or similar?) that putting premium gas in a vehicle designed for 87 octane is a waste of money, but I might try a few tanks of this Shell V-power. It may cost less than the ethanol-free that I put in the Model A.......

Chris yes you are right there is no advantage to running Premium in a car designed for regular fuel.

The Shell V-Nitro is good now and then to clean up injectors and the upper cylinder. Maybe once or twice a year with a tank full each time will do it!

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by johnneilson

While I am not using SeaFoam or any other additives in the gas, I can relate this story.
My neighbor had a motorhome, 100 gallon gas tank. He filled it and added 2 or 3 bottles of SeaFoam. After 6 months, he went to drive it, no joy. The SeaFoam had settled to the bottom and since the solvents are not volitle enough the engine would not run.
We had to pull the pump from the tank, wash it out with gas and purge the injectors. Then we could fire the engine and then drain the tank.
In the words of a wise man "There are no magic mechanics in a can"

John

That's even more diluted than they recommend, 1oz/gal. I have never had separation like that happen and since I drain my carb after each run you would think it would have filled my carb first. Maybe a Model A will run on Seafoam?

[Jim M]

I use 1 oz of Bell Ethanol Defense per 5 gals of gas and carb stays clean as a whistle and car runs and idles great.

[Jim Brierley]

Thanks guys, but now you've given me so much to think about that my head hurts! Just FYI, I posted this same question on VFF and didn't get nearly as many replies.

[fried okra]

Back to the question of plugged passages in a Weber carb on an A.

My '31 A with the Weber kit had not been run in many months and did not wanna run well until I removed the idle jets from both side of the upper carb body. They are easily removed.

The idle jets were plugged with "gummy fuel gel" and I used a very fine sewing needle to pierce the opening in the jets.

Just need to be careful not to enlarge the jet orifice, just remove residual fuel gel crud from the jet. I had ethanol free in the tank also.

[Patrick L.]

Whenever an engine is stored for a time I shut off the fuel and let it run until it quits. I try to get as much fuel as possible out of the system. Whats left still has some SeaFoam in it.

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by Jim Brierley

Will Seafoam clean a carb, or more accurately keep it clean, after the car has been sitting for awhile? I don't drive my widebed very often, and the Weber carb often has plugged accelerator pump action. It is a chore for me to remove the carb and clean the passageways. TIA, Jim B

Hey Jim B,
STA-BIL says that this product will cure your problems. Ive used it, as directed, and it keeps gas usable/stabil in my experience. It even helps where small quantity of water (condensation) enters carb bowl.

[woofa.express]

From BRENT in 10-uh-C post.

The reason I suggested telling them it was for a boat is that it is against the law to use Av gas in a motor vehicle operating on public roads is because federal & state highway taxes have not been collected.[/QUOTE]

Why worry about the law. Tell them anything. I have no conscience about lying to them, after all they lie to us every day. And taxes? The more they collect, the more they have to trash.

[Mister Moose]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

Once you have it cleaned, find a small municipal airport where you can purchase some 100LL fuel for your boat in a jug, and then install that into your truck's fuel tank away from the airport. The AV gas does not sour or taint like ethanol fuels do, so this should keep the passageways open during stowage. Around here, we are paying about $5.30 a gallon for the AV gas, but it is a much better solution IMO.

Not a problem for a Model A or a boat, but be advised that 100LL has lead in it, and will lead to problems with a catalytic converter if used in any more modern vehicle. It's dyed blue.

There are some stations that sell ethanol free fuel cheaper than Avgas, lots of people use it in their snowmobiles, mowers and power equipment.

[shew01]

Originally Posted by Mister Moose

Not a problem for a Model A or a boat, but be advised that 100LL has lead in it, and will lead to problems with a catalytic converter if used in any more modern vehicle. It's dyed blue.

There are some stations that sell ethanol free fuel cheaper than Avgas, lots of people use it in their snowmobiles, mowers and power equipment.

Walmart often has a Murphy USA in the same parking lot. Murphy sells non-ethanol gas in our area.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chris in WNC]

Originally Posted by johnneilson

While I am not using SeaFoam or any other additives in the gas, I can relate this story.
My neighbor had a motorhome, 100 gallon gas tank. He filled it and added 2 or 3 bottles of SeaFoam. After 6 months, he went to drive it, no joy. The SeaFoam had settled to the bottom and since the solvents are not volitle enough the engine would not run.
We had to pull the pump from the tank, wash it out with gas and purge the injectors. Then we could fire the engine and then drain the tank.
In the words of a wise man "There are no magic mechanics in a can"

John

just wondering- if your neighbor had put the SeaFoam in at the gas station before filling the tank, would it have mixed well enough with the gas to be OK?

[Patrick L.]

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Originally Posted by Chris in WNC

just wondering- if your neighbor had put the SeaFoam in at the gas station before filling the tank, would it have mixed well enough with the gas to be OK?

Thats how additives should be added, but, many don't do that.

[Jim Brierley]

I tend to agree with woofa, however I personally have never broken any laws. For anyone interested I do happen to have some stock in a bridge back in Brooklyn for sale!

[johnneilson]

Originally Posted by Chris in WNC

just wondering- if your neighbor had put the SeaFoam in at the gas station before filling the tank, would it have mixed well enough with the gas to be OK?

We will never know, I don't think I could get him to try it again...

J

[Ted Duke]

Why not ethanol free?

[Gene F]

So who sells Seafoam Tune-up?

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by Gene F

So who sells Seafoam Tune-up?

Walmart and Auto Zone for sure and TSC if you have one! Wayne

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by Gene F

So who sells Seafoam Tune-up?

Most auto parts stores or online. Amazon.com

[Synchro909]

Is the Sea Foam container labelled as Flammable? Same for MMO? If they are not, I might be able to get some shipped over. If they are, forget it - too much regulation.

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

Is the Sea Foam container labelled as Flammable? Same for MMO? If they are not, I might be able to get some shipped over. If they are, forget it - too much regulation.

Yes, it is flammable.

[Ted Duke]

Check this out

https://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=VA

[gdmn852]

Hello on my older cars including 1931 Ford, I try to use the non ethanol gas.it is available in western Pennsylvania and although more expensive,doesn’t seem to draw moisture and attack the rubber hoses and vitron in carburetors , if it is available in your state. I think it is higher octane also.

[woofa.express]

Originally Posted by Jim Brierley

I tend to agree with woofa, however I personally have never broken any laws. For anyone interested I do happen to have some stock in a bridge back in Brooklyn for sale!

Hi Jim. Have you managed to sell your stock in that bridge in Brooklyn? If so please advise your new name and new address.

[Chris Haynes]

Pour a bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the gas tank then go for a long ride.

[pbishop]

SeaFoam is engineered for use in 2-Stroke engines where oil is added to the gas as a mixture - Plain and Simple.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by pbishop

SeaFoam is engineered for use in 2-Stroke engines where oil is added to the gas as a mixture - Plain and Simple.

OK, but is also "engineered" for 4 stroke and Diesels". Says so right on the can...

[Jim Brierley]

Woofa, you can contact me at: Jaime Gonzales-Schmidt, 1243 Minor St, Poduct Junction, Outer Mongolia. Bring your own winter gear, it gets rather cold here!

[daren007]

We sell AvGas to whoever wants it.

[woofa.express]

Originally Posted by Jim Brierley

Woofa, you can contact me at: Jaime Gonzales-Schmidt, 1243 Minor St, Poduct Junction, Outer Mongolia. Bring your own winter gear, it gets rather cold here!

Yes Jim, I would have enjoyed that but that damn that corona virus spoils all my fun.
See you there the moment we, here in Au are permitted to travel again. international borders open.

[woofa.express]

Originally Posted by daren007

We sell AvGas to whoever wants it.

Yes Daren, I too sold avgas to anyone wanting it. One reader said it was illegal in US because your government collected no tax from the sale. Government's get pretty protective of their tax collection don't they.
It's illegal here in Au for a farmer to sell tobacco direct to the public for the same reason. This tobacco is known as chop chop. Our government will put more resources into enquiring and eliminating this practice than they will into a murder investigation.