Uncle Meat

1997 2.7L 4Runner

OK, I tried the Seafoam thing. Slowly added it to the intake PCV hose.
Followed instructions.
(Truck ran/idled fine before Seafoam. This was just for PM).
After Seafoam, the idle wasn't as smooth as before.
New plugs didn't help.
I cleaned the TB and IAC valve. No difference.
Checked and tested EGR. No difference.
MAF cleaned.
I have no CEL or codes.
The idle quality isn't terrible but wasn't as smooth as before.
The only thing I haven't done is physically cleaned the O2 sensors.
I figured that if these were bad, I'd get a code
Anyone with the same neg. experience with Seafoam?

24Runna

Nope. Bad O2 sensors don't always set off a code.

Godzilla

It can take a while for the O2 sensor to pop a code. Pretty sure most remove the O2's when doing this since all that crap coming out can foul the O2's. Try clening the o2 sensors and see if it helps. Some also change their plugs after the treatment.
I have personally never done the seafoam(with exception of in the fuel tank) since I figure some good oil and decent intervals should reduce any junk, and am not a fan of introducing solvents into my engine like that.

Uncle Meat

Thanks for the input.
The plugs did look dirty and those were swapped out.
I can only imagine what the O2 sensors look like!

mkgarrison5

i never removed my O2 sensor when seafoaming. never had an O2 issue follow either.. thats not saying it cant happen bc it can.. i would look at the O2 for sure and remember to reset the computer. (disconnect the battery for a few mins).. i have came to the conclusion that GM top end cleaner is far better than seafoam. remember to change the oil afterwards if you use the top end cleaner..potent stuff

Team420

you took the 02 out and cleaned it?? I would bet my left nut you ruined it!! or it was already bad to begin with, from what I understand..the only time you want to remove the 02, is when replacing, or swapping to a new pipe, and if the latter, you have to be real careful not to contaminate it. my $.02

Uncle Meat

Nope, I haven't cleaned it yet.
Only assuming it got fouled by the "foam".

BigBallsMcFalls

well ya.

seafoam is not a miracle substance. it is quite dumb actually.

all it is, is alcohol, paint thinner, and water.

it will clean gum, and maybe steam clean the pistons. that is a big maybe.


there is no such thing as a tune up in a can. yes you can clean
gum but anything else...really can get by with making a home made prep
of 50/50 isopropyl alcohol and water, and throwing 20% naptha in there,
and running that through the same as seafoam. it'll do the same job.

Team420

very likely.. i say run it for a while, and see if you get a code, or maybe itll clean itself up, run 93 octane with some octane booster, or fuel injector clean, might help.

mkgarrison5

slight misinformation here. seafoam is a petroleum based product and yes GM top end clean is much better.. i doubt ill go back to seafoam. just GM top end cleaner and techron

mkgarrison5

i doubt that will help any with the O2.. i would take it out and spray it liberally with electrical cleaner, air dry it and reinstall and go from there

Team420

i wouldnt take it out unless I knew it was the prob tho... if it is not the problem, then you could be adding a problem, never clean an 02 unless you know its the prob!

BigBallsMcFalls

seafoam ingredients

Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol), pale oil, and naptha.

pale oil, think lightweight, useless oil that doesn't do anything
but smoke. that is for the marketing genius LOOK IT'S WORKING... SMOKE !!!1!lol!!


you are better off with Techron, GM top end cleaner, or BG44K. they all haz more volatile
ingredients which remove gum and varnish and can loosen injector clogging crud
and can clean around the valves a bit.

nothing can remove much carbon on the piston though, except steam maybe
the 5vz engine actually runs better with a layer of carbon on the pistons. it was
designed that way. in fact most engines are designed to accommodate for the carbon
which will build up in all, I mean -all- gas otto motors.


GM TEC ingredients:
2-BUTOXYETHANOL, naptha, 4-METHYL-2-PENTANOL, 9-OCTADECENDIC ACID.

mkgarrison5

see tolda ya yeah the "smoke" is just that "smoke and mirrors".. it works but only to an extent. a small one at that.. use GM TEC for the upper end and Techron for the gas tank

icerunner

Hey,
I Must say that Most gas has up to 10% ethanol these days and the ethenol itself really acts as an engine cleaner...I really do not believe in "Seafoam" . I had a NIGHTMARE with adding techron to a EMPTY tank and driving it around...I fouled my older plugs something AWFUL...I did it wrong as I should of added the techron and then immediatly filled up the tank with fresh gas.
Remeber if you want a "clean engine" run Amoco Ultimate or Shell V power for a few tanks and you'll be fine...Remember the 10% ethanol really helps to keep things clean..

icerunner

Yo Big Balls good point about the carbon

RUnning high Rpm's on a warm engine can help remove some carbon from an engine...Not sure how much is good to remove though...I really think that better gasoline is the key the Shell V power is good stuff..

mkgarrison5

texaco w/techron is good stuff

mjwalfredo

I thought chevron had techron....

mkgarrison5

good gya. you know how many people have said this? dont you guys have texacos in areas other than NC?? next time you pass one, go fill up and read the sign..

texaco/chevron they merged not too long ago. like a year maybe..

http://www.texaco.com/portal_default.asp


sorry for being anal. having a bad day

tj884Rdlx

i learned about techron when i worked for vw. their "fuel system additive" is relabeled techron. (in '90 anyway) all of my cars have run noticeably better on chevron with techron. some texacos which hang a techron sign on their main sign are distributing chevron gas. not all of them.

my truck and cycle have been running like crap since the ethanol change. i hate it. my 'runner manual specifies to not use ethanol higher than 10%.

why isn't gas 10% cheaper with 10% less gasoline in it? damn croox!