Seafoam Injector / Intake Cleaner = GOOD STUFF

bamachem · 06-21-2004, 05:38 AM

Over the last few months, my gas mileage has been dropping off horribly. Last monday when I filled up I got 13.8 around town (I've been getting 15 in town and 16.5 on the highway). That was the last straw - I had to do SOMETHING. I picked up a can of seafoam along with some TB cleaner and did a little late spring cleaning. I poured the seafoam into the PCV hose with the engine running like on the directions. On the first application, I poured it very slow (1/3 can), then shut off the engine (again, like the directions said). Five minutes later when I started it up, it blew more smoke than the batmobile. After all the smoke subsided, I gave it another treatment, but poured a little faster so that it was almost stalling out. (again, 1/3 can). After starting up, it BILLOWED smoke for several minutes, but the engine just PURRED after it was finished. It was the smoothest running toyota engine I've ever seen. While I was at it, I gave the MAF a good bath along with the air filter and the TB.

Well, that got me back up to 17.2 on the highway on our trip to the beach (still not satisfied).

While I was down there, I picked up another two cans of seafoam and put both into my tank at 1/2 full (4X stronger than in the directions). I ran this for about 20 miles or so, then filled up at a cheapie station ($1.69 when everywhere else was $1.86) and got back on the interstate to drive home. I filled back up here in Birmingham, and I ended up getting 18.1 on the ride home. Not too bad. I can't wait to see if it goes up even more with Shell in the tank...

Now on startup, instead of having to hold the key for a sec for the engine to fire, it starts right up with ZERO hesitation. The injectors and intake must have been pretty bad (106k and counting)...

If you do the seafoam treatment, I'd recommend SEVERAL cans so you can give the intake a good cleaning along with the injectors.

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CMD93 · 06-21-2004, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamachem

Over the last few months, my gas mileage has been dropping off horribly. Last monday when I filled up I got 13.8 around town (I've been getting 15 in town and 16.5 on the highway). That was the last straw - I had to do SOMETHING. I picked up a can of seafoam along with some TB cleaner and did a little late spring cleaning. I poured the seafoam into the PCV hose like on the directions. On the first application, I poured it very slow (1/3 can), then shut off like the directions said. Five minutes later when I started it up it blew more smoke than the batmobile. After all the smoke subsided, I gave it another treatment, but poured a little faster so that it was almost stalling out. (again, 1/3 can). After starting up, it BILLOWED smoke for several minutes, but the engine just PURRED after it was finished. It was the smoothest running toyota engine I've ever seen. While I was at it, I gave the MAF a good bath along with the air filter and the TB.

Well, that got me back up to 17.2 on the highway on our trip to the beach (still not satisfied).

While I was down there, I picked up another two cans of seafoam and put both into my tank at 1/2 full (4X stronger than in the directions). I ran this for about 20 miles or so, then filled up at a cheapie station ($1.69 when everywhere else was $1.86) and got back on the interstate to drive home. I filled back up here in Birmingham, and I ended up getting 18.1 on the ride home. Not too bad. I can't wait to see if it goes up even more with Shell in the tank...

Now on startup, instead of having to hold the key for a sec for the engine to fire, it starts right up with ZERO hesitation. The injectors must have been pretty bad (106k and counting)...

If you do the seafoam treatment, I'd recommend SEVERAL cans so you can give the intake a good cleaning along with the injectors.

Andy,

That is encouraging info. However I have a 2nd gen with the 3.0. The PCV valve is not easily accessible. Is there any other way to introduce this stuff to the intake and the injectors?

Thanks,
Chris

bamachem · 06-21-2004, 06:10 AM

You can feed it through any vacuum line that goes into the intake plenum and will reach all cylinders.

calamaridog · 06-21-2004, 08:11 AM

I absolutely love SEAFOAM! SEAFOAM ROCKS! I have used it in my 3.4, my wifes 3.7 (Jeep), my brothers 4.7, many 22r and 22re motors, etc.

This stuff is absolutely the best motor treatment I know of. Hands down, works better than other products I've tested. I know tons of mechanics who use this stuff, including my cousin who swears by it.

I'm glad you had such good results too!

Andrey · 06-21-2004, 09:56 AM

Silly question, but where is PCV valve located on 3rd gen? And where would I get this Seafoam?

Thanks,
-- Andrey

NX Tacoma · 06-21-2004, 10:03 AM

Andy, I have a 2003 Tacoma V6 3.4. Can I feed the Seafoam into the intake at the same place you are, if so were is it?
Thanks,
Cesar

bamachem · 06-21-2004, 10:19 AM

I got my cans at NAPA. On the 3.4L, the PCV is located to the left of the throttle body and down on the top of the head. It's a 1/2" or so hose that attaches to a fitting that is turned 90* horizontal after it comes out of the engine. That fitting is the PCV valve. Pop the hose off when the engine is running and it has TONS of vacuum to suck in the Seafoam. Give me a few minutes and I'll go take a pic of it...

bamachem · 06-21-2004, 10:34 AM

Here's the pic:

Andrey · 06-21-2004, 11:05 AM

Thanks Andy!

As they say, one picture is worth a thousand words!

NX Tacoma · 06-21-2004, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrey

Thanks Andy!

As they say, one picture is worth a thousand words!

Thanks Too, Andy!!!!

3.4v6 · 06-21-2004, 04:53 PM

anyone know a website where i can get seafoam online. ive checked a bunch of shops here in norcal and i get this dumba$$ look everytime i ask about it, so i figure the only way to get it is online.

website anyone? ( i already searched)

***midiwall*** · 06-21-2004, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3.4v6

anyone know a website where i can get seafoam online. ive checked a bunch of shops here in norcal and i get this dumba$$ look everytime i ask about it, so i figure the only way to get it is online.

website anyone? ( i already searched)

Here's SeaFoam's website:
http://www.seafoamsales.com/motorTuneUp.htm

There's a "contact" link on the page which gives:

Phone (952) 938-4811
Fax (952) 938-5841

P.O. Box 5178
Hopkins, MN 55343-1178
customerservice@seafoamsales.com

Drop and email or a phone call and ask for a dealer in your area.

Also, in wandering around, I found this statement from a user:

Quote:

Also be prepared to replace the plugs in your vehicle approx. 1 to 2 weeks AFTER you have the procedure done, all the crap the gets burnt out of the system has a tendency to foul the plugs killing your milage and performance.

I have no idea if it's true or not, kinda' makes sense, so I figured I'd pass it on.

***midiwall*** · 06-21-2004, 05:17 PM

Update! I found an online offering:

http://www.montanajacks.com/index.as...Search=seafoam

calamaridog · 06-21-2004, 07:37 PM

Regarding the changing of plugs, I run Seafoam BEFORE I do a major tune-up, including changing the plugs...

I also add SEAFOAM to the crankcase a few hundred miles before an oil change...

I run one can through the gas tank every 3,000 to 5,000 miles...

***midiwall*** · 06-21-2004, 08:07 PM

one more update... fwiw I found it tonight at my local Schuck's (Checker or Kragen in some areas) for $4.49/bottle.

jimbo74 · 06-21-2004, 08:13 PM

i am in nothern CA and they have it lots of places.... for sure, allied auto up here in fremont has it.. thats where i got mine

3.4v6 · 06-21-2004, 08:22 PM

ii just ended up buying seafoam online for $6 a can. none of the NAPA stores here carry it, neither do kragen or pepboys or auto zone.

***midiwall*** · 06-21-2004, 09:51 PM

Bummer Jason... well, from what folks say, it'll be worth it.

Hey Andy? How long after the treatment did you start noticing an improvement in how the engine runs? Was it really as quick as _right now_? I ask 'cause I just got done doing mine, but didn't get the smoke cloud... hmm...

I'll see how it runs tomorrow and maybe do it again.

Bigkahuna808 · 06-22-2004, 02:06 AM

which end do I let the sea foam flow into the end closest to the throttle body or the end that goes into the white 90 degree fitting?

Enigma · 06-22-2004, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigkahuna808

which end do I let the sea foam flow into the end closest to the throttle body or the end that goes into the white 90 degree fitting?

Well you want it disconnect the part of the hose that goes to the white 90 degree fitting and use that end of the hose to suck the seafoam through the hose and nto the throttle body.

bamachem · 06-22-2004, 05:04 AM

I got immediate results when I did the intake (disconnecting the PCV). The engine ran much smoother and the intake was much quieter. It only smoked when I loaded the hose with seafoam then immediately shut off the engine to let it soak for 4-5 minutes. When I recranked it, it took a few times to get it to start up, but when it did, it BILLOWED blue/white smoke. I must have had some nasty stuff in there...

I didn't use the hose to suck the seafoam out of the can like some do. I turned the hose to pointing upwards and poured it into the hose. As soon as it gets to the tip of the hose, it atomizes into the air being sucked into it.

***midiwall*** · 06-22-2004, 06:29 AM

Okay, so you loaded the hose... I went with the can instructions which talk about pouring slowly.

I did have the idle change a lot, and then I happened to pour fast enough that I almost stalled it, but I was working alone and couldn't get into a position where I could pour to fill the hose and then kill the engine.

And yeah, I poured it into the hose as well - outside of the logistic issues of getting the hose into the can, there's no way to tell what "1/3 of a can" is once the suction would start.

I'll be on the road in about 2 hours - this should be interesting!

Thanks Andy!

bamachem · 06-22-2004, 06:46 AM

Some people pour it in slowly for a minute, then drop the hose into the can to pseudo "hydrolock" it and stall it out. No way I was going to go that extreme and possibly damage the engine. Like I said, I poured a HEAVY dose, then ran around and shut off the engine to let it sit. It worked fine for me that way...

wvuviv30 · 06-22-2004, 09:09 AM

On the 3.0 I used what is Highlighted in green... I know its on a 3.4, but the 3.0 uses what looks like the same intake just on the oppsite side.

***midiwall*** · 06-22-2004, 09:39 AM

And, after the drive to work, I can say...

KICKIN'!

Very nice.. Much better than the other injector cleaners I've used that you add to the tank. Better throttle response, smoother runing over-all, everything that Andy said. I'm on a fresh tank of gas, so I'll be looking forward to checking mileage.

Thank you Andy!

btw, I got the smoke cloud this morning.

06-21-2004, 08:11 AM	#4 (permalink)
calamaridog Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Cuyamaca CA and N. Las Vegas, NV Posts: 380	I absolutely love SEAFOAM! SEAFOAM ROCKS! I have used it in my 3.4, my wifes 3.7 (Jeep), my brothers 4.7, many 22r and 22re motors, etc. This stuff is absolutely the best motor treatment I know of. Hands down, works better than other products I've tested. I know tons of mechanics who use this stuff, including my cousin who swears by it. I'm glad you had such good results too! __________________ 2000 UZJ100 Land Cruiser 2" OME and 33" Geolander AT's Blue Ribbon Coalition Toyota Land Cruiser Association

06-21-2004, 09:56 AM	#5 (permalink)
Andrey Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,009	Silly question, but where is PCV valve located on 3rd gen? And where would I get this Seafoam? Thanks, -- Andrey __________________ '01 4Runner SR5 - 4x4 - 1" lift PP springs, deckplate mod, amsoil air filter, optima battery, alum. skid plate, alum. tube steps - Pioneer 8500MP, PhoenixGold Amp + Infinity Kappas, RockfordFosgate Amp (mono) + Audobahn 10" Sub - Yakima roof rack, Silverstars, Black Pearl emblems, Wet Okole seat covers, Wood Trim - TRD Supercharger, 7th inj. kit... weee heee!!!

06-21-2004, 10:19 AM	#7 (permalink)
bamachem Banned Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 0	I got my cans at NAPA. On the 3.4L, the PCV is located to the left of the throttle body and down on the top of the head. It's a 1/2" or so hose that attaches to a fitting that is turned 90* horizontal after it comes out of the engine. That fitting is the PCV valve. Pop the hose off when the engine is running and it has TONS of vacuum to suck in the Seafoam. Give me a few minutes and I'll go take a pic of it... Last edited by bamachem; 06-21-2004 at 10:35 AM.

06-21-2004, 11:05 AM	#9 (permalink)
Andrey Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,009	Thanks Andy! As they say, one picture is worth a thousand words! __________________ '01 4Runner SR5 - 4x4 - 1" lift PP springs, deckplate mod, amsoil air filter, optima battery, alum. skid plate, alum. tube steps - Pioneer 8500MP, PhoenixGold Amp + Infinity Kappas, RockfordFosgate Amp (mono) + Audobahn 10" Sub - Yakima roof rack, Silverstars, Black Pearl emblems, Wet Okole seat covers, Wood Trim - TRD Supercharger, 7th inj. kit... weee heee!!!

06-21-2004, 04:53 PM	#11 (permalink)
3.4v6 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Daly City, CA Posts: 900	anyone know a website where i can get seafoam online. ive checked a bunch of shops here in norcal and i get this dumba$$ look everytime i ask about it, so i figure the only way to get it is online. website anyone? ( i already searched) __________________ =Jason= 2001 Tacoma DC PreReunner SR5 (looks stock to me) S/C and some other crap

06-21-2004, 06:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
bamachem Banned Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 0	You can feed it through any vacuum line that goes into the intake plenum and will reach all cylinders.

06-21-2004, 10:03 AM	#6 (permalink)
NX Tacoma Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 676	Andy, I have a 2003 Tacoma V6 3.4. Can I feed the Seafoam into the intake at the same place you are, if so were is it? Thanks, Cesar

06-21-2004, 10:34 AM	#8 (permalink)
bamachem Banned Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 0	Here's the pic:

06-21-2004, 05:17 PM	#13 (permalink)
*midiwall* Sponsoring Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Seattleish, WA Posts: 9,078	Update! I found an online offering: http://www.montanajacks.com/index.as...Search=seafoam __________________ ~ Mark '96 4Runner Limited S/C MI - 370cc injectors, Air! horns, Airaid MIT, ATS A-arms, 285/75/R16 BFG MTs, Bored TB, Brembo slotted, Cobra 75 WXST, Deckplate, Downey headers, Hayden cooler, IPT valve body, Level 10 torque convertor, Meanstreak exhaust, OME/OME rears, On-board PC (XM, Nav, WiFi, etc), Port 'n Polish, Remote Start, SAW fronts, Hilux console, SMT-5, Stubb's sliders, Supra MAF, TJM-17, 2.0" pulley, Viair 450c, Walbro 190, Weasy2k cams

06-21-2004, 07:37 PM	#14 (permalink)
calamaridog Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Cuyamaca CA and N. Las Vegas, NV Posts: 380	Regarding the changing of plugs, I run Seafoam BEFORE I do a major tune-up, including changing the plugs... I also add SEAFOAM to the crankcase a few hundred miles before an oil change... I run one can through the gas tank every 3,000 to 5,000 miles... __________________ 2000 UZJ100 Land Cruiser 2" OME and 33" Geolander AT's Blue Ribbon Coalition Toyota Land Cruiser Association

06-21-2004, 08:07 PM	#15 (permalink)
*midiwall* Sponsoring Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Seattleish, WA Posts: 9,078	one more update... fwiw I found it tonight at my local Schuck's (Checker or Kragen in some areas) for $4.49/bottle. __________________ ~ Mark '96 4Runner Limited S/C MI - 370cc injectors, Air! horns, Airaid MIT, ATS A-arms, 285/75/R16 BFG MTs, Bored TB, Brembo slotted, Cobra 75 WXST, Deckplate, Downey headers, Hayden cooler, IPT valve body, Level 10 torque convertor, Meanstreak exhaust, OME/OME rears, On-board PC (XM, Nav, WiFi, etc), Port 'n Polish, Remote Start, SAW fronts, Hilux console, SMT-5, Stubb's sliders, Supra MAF, TJM-17, 2.0" pulley, Viair 450c, Walbro 190, Weasy2k cams

06-21-2004, 08:13 PM	#16 (permalink)
jimbo74 Banned Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Nor*Cal Posts: 6,582	i am in nothern CA and they have it lots of places.... for sure, allied auto up here in fremont has it.. thats where i got mine

06-21-2004, 08:22 PM	#17 (permalink)
3.4v6 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Daly City, CA Posts: 900	ii just ended up buying seafoam online for $6 a can. none of the NAPA stores here carry it, neither do kragen or pepboys or auto zone. __________________ =Jason= 2001 Tacoma DC PreReunner SR5 (looks stock to me) S/C and some other crap

06-21-2004, 09:51 PM	#18 (permalink)
*midiwall* Sponsoring Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Seattleish, WA Posts: 9,078	Bummer Jason... well, from what folks say, it'll be worth it. Hey Andy? How long after the treatment did you start noticing an improvement in how the engine runs? Was it really as quick as _right now_? I ask 'cause I just got done doing mine, but didn't get the smoke cloud... hmm... I'll see how it runs tomorrow and maybe do it again. __________________ ~ Mark '96 4Runner Limited S/C MI - 370cc injectors, Air! horns, Airaid MIT, ATS A-arms, 285/75/R16 BFG MTs, Bored TB, Brembo slotted, Cobra 75 WXST, Deckplate, Downey headers, Hayden cooler, IPT valve body, Level 10 torque convertor, Meanstreak exhaust, OME/OME rears, On-board PC (XM, Nav, WiFi, etc), Port 'n Polish, Remote Start, SAW fronts, Hilux console, SMT-5, Stubb's sliders, Supra MAF, TJM-17, 2.0" pulley, Viair 450c, Walbro 190, Weasy2k cams

06-22-2004, 02:06 AM	#19 (permalink)
Bigkahuna808 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Oahu, Hawaii Posts: 767	which end do I let the sea foam flow into the end closest to the throttle body or the end that goes into the white 90 degree fitting? __________________ '97 Sr5 2wd 4runner. I have NO lockers, NO Sliders, NO TRD, NO 4wd and I still decided to lift my 4runner.

06-22-2004, 05:04 AM	#21 (permalink)
bamachem Banned Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 0	I got immediate results when I did the intake (disconnecting the PCV). The engine ran much smoother and the intake was much quieter. It only smoked when I loaded the hose with seafoam then immediately shut off the engine to let it soak for 4-5 minutes. When I recranked it, it took a few times to get it to start up, but when it did, it BILLOWED blue/white smoke. I must have had some nasty stuff in there... I didn't use the hose to suck the seafoam out of the can like some do. I turned the hose to pointing upwards and poured it into the hose. As soon as it gets to the tip of the hose, it atomizes into the air being sucked into it.

06-22-2004, 06:29 AM	#22 (permalink)
*midiwall* Sponsoring Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Seattleish, WA Posts: 9,078	Okay, so you loaded the hose... I went with the can instructions which talk about pouring slowly. I did have the idle change a lot, and then I happened to pour fast enough that I almost stalled it, but I was working alone and couldn't get into a position where I could pour to fill the hose and then kill the engine. And yeah, I poured it into the hose as well - outside of the logistic issues of getting the hose into the can, there's no way to tell what "1/3 of a can" is once the suction would start. I'll be on the road in about 2 hours - this should be interesting! Thanks Andy! __________________ ~ Mark '96 4Runner Limited S/C MI - 370cc injectors, Air! horns, Airaid MIT, ATS A-arms, 285/75/R16 BFG MTs, Bored TB, Brembo slotted, Cobra 75 WXST, Deckplate, Downey headers, Hayden cooler, IPT valve body, Level 10 torque convertor, Meanstreak exhaust, OME/OME rears, On-board PC (XM, Nav, WiFi, etc), Port 'n Polish, Remote Start, SAW fronts, Hilux console, SMT-5, Stubb's sliders, Supra MAF, TJM-17, 2.0" pulley, Viair 450c, Walbro 190, Weasy2k cams

06-22-2004, 06:46 AM	#23 (permalink)
bamachem Banned Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 0	Some people pour it in slowly for a minute, then drop the hose into the can to pseudo "hydrolock" it and stall it out. No way I was going to go that extreme and possibly damage the engine. Like I said, I poured a HEAVY dose, then ran around and shut off the engine to let it sit. It worked fine for me that way... Last edited by bamachem; 06-22-2004 at 06:47 AM.

06-22-2004, 09:09 AM	#24 (permalink)
wvuviv30 Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lusby, MD Posts: 335	On the 3.0 I used what is Highlighted in green... I know its on a 3.4, but the 3.0 uses what looks like the same intake just on the oppsite side. Attached Thumbnails __________________ '04 4Runner SR5 with V8... stock as of now and most likely for a while. I have my own Live Sound Business (I run small concerts): http://www.mattvivslivesound.com/ Last edited by wvuviv30; 06-22-2004 at 09:13 AM.

06-22-2004, 09:39 AM	#25 (permalink)
*midiwall* Sponsoring Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Seattleish, WA Posts: 9,078	And, after the drive to work, I can say... KICKIN'! Very nice.. Much better than the other injector cleaners I've used that you add to the tank. Better throttle response, smoother runing over-all, everything that Andy said. I'm on a fresh tank of gas, so I'll be looking forward to checking mileage. Thank you Andy! btw, I got the smoke cloud this morning. __________________ ~ Mark '96 4Runner Limited S/C MI - 370cc injectors, Air! horns, Airaid MIT, ATS A-arms, 285/75/R16 BFG MTs, Bored TB, Brembo slotted, Cobra 75 WXST, Deckplate, Downey headers, Hayden cooler, IPT valve body, Level 10 torque convertor, Meanstreak exhaust, OME/OME rears, On-board PC (XM, Nav, WiFi, etc), Port 'n Polish, Remote Start, SAW fronts, Hilux console, SMT-5, Stubb's sliders, Supra MAF, TJM-17, 2.0" pulley, Viair 450c, Walbro 190, Weasy2k cams

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