has anyone ever used it? does it work well? im trying to do everything possible in order to remove build up on the rings that was caused from the po putting gasser oil into my engine....or...is there any other additive i can use in an attempt to reduce blow by
I have used SeaFoam, can't say for sure that it will solve the problem you are having but, flushed allot of gunk out of the engine for me.
I used it my TD when I first got it running, added a new filter, cheap Walmart "Supratech" 10-30 and about 1/4 pint of Seafoam and ran it for an hour as stated in the directions.
After dumping that and putting on a new filter and adding some Mobil1 Turbo Diesel Truck 5-40 Synthetic my oil was actually clear like a gas engine's would be for the first 3 days if you can believe that.
Eventually it got sooty again like a diesel should be.
Years back my friend used it in a VW Gas 1.8L engine because he had particularly bad lifter noise. He gave it the Seafoam treatment and it was like they had been replaced. We called it "cylinder head rebuild in a can" after that.
I have seen SeaFoam used in several garages, particularly european car garages and mechanics always speak highly of it.
I am not usually one for cleaners and additives. I think most are snake oil and don't take the place of long term use of quality oils and fluids.
I have found 3 that have actually come close to what they claim over the years and are actually worth the money, SeaFoam, Power Service Diesel Kleen, and most recently Zerex Super Radiator Cleaner.
Coked rings are a tough problem, if anything can clean them it would be SeaFoam. I would give it a shot, there are detailed use instructions on their website compared to the can. I would do as they suggest for diesels use it in the crank case oil and filling up a new filter, maybe pour a small amount directly in and let it sit in the cylinders over night. Not too much, you don't want to hydro lock the engine, or crank it a bit first with the glow plugs out to make sure it is out (messy). On a gasser you run the engine and let the intake vacuum suck the Seafoam in until dies then let it sit. That won't happen in a diesel.
Once that is done run a tank or two of fuel with SeaFoam in it.
I suggest another oil and filter change after using SeaFoam in the fuel tank any crud it manages to break loose is either going out the exhaust or down into the crank case. Don't want to leave it there too long.
For the $6 a can will run you it's worth a try. Used as directed you shouldn't hurt anything. You might want to consider a fresh sacrificial filter and some oil when you do it. Think about it, would you wash the car with the soap and water still in the bucket from the previous weeks wash?
Anyway, sorry to go on... Yes try SeaFoam but keep your expectations low, it may work but, there really isn't a "re-ring job in a can" out there.
I second what Ziptar says about seafoam vs. most of the others. I use it similarly. I have done oil system flushes with seafoam, putting in a fairly high concentration into the oil just before I change it and the filter- it works well. I also use it in cold weather like this as a fuel additive- and never had problems with fuel. It also cleans injectors to whatever natural state of wear they happen to be in. When I bought a quantum with dirty, noisy hyd. lifters, one treatment made them work perfectly. Good stuff.
For your situation, if it's blowing smoke because it is worn, this won't help at all. if your rings are stuck this might help a little. My oil cleaning process is this- I dump a whole can (pint) of seafoam into the oil when it is warm, drive it around easy (don't thrash it) for about five miles, and then drain it all, change oil and filter. This treatment is not as concentrated on the rings as Ziptar's treatment, but the two together will get it as good as chemicals can.
I am not usually one for cleaners and additives. I think most are snake oil and don't take the place of long term use of quality oils and fluids..
i often refer to additives as bandaids. so i completely agree with you on that part. but im getting really tired of the blowby and the amount of it.
Coked rings are a tough problem, if anything can clean them it would be SeaFoam. I would give it a shot, there are detailed use instructions on their website compared to the can. I would do as they suggest for diesels use it in the crank case oil and filling up a new filter, maybe pour a small amount directly in and let it sit in the cylinders over night. Not too much, you don't want to hydro lock the engine, or crank it a bit first with the glow plugs out to make sure it is out (messy). On a gasser you run the engine and let the intake vacuum suck the Seafoam in until dies then let it sit. That won't happen in a diesel..
so do you suggest poring a little into the intake runners at night..or how do you suggest getting the small amount into the engine.
Through the intake runners, glow plug, or injector holes.