Using Sea Foam?

[Aries 181]

Should I run my XR6 at WOT for the whole 30 gal after I add 2 bottles of Sea Foam or will it remove the carbon build up only running 30-40 MPH?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[BulletTJ]

You dont have to run at WOT. I would just run it like you usually do. I try and make a high speed run on the way back to the ramp. I also run a can of Seafoam in every tank. But I have a 30 gal. tank.

 

[lafae7]

I would try to get off the seafoam if you can. That stuff eats gaskets and seals pretty bad.... I work in the chemical industry so.... I would 'heed' my warning.

 

[Aries 181]

lafae7 - 7/2/2016 6:05 PM

I would try to get off the seafoam if you can. That stuff eats gaskets and seals pretty bad.... I work in the chemical industry so.... I would 'heed' my warning.

Can you recommend something safer but just as good ?

Bill

 

[bullet02]

Eating gaskets and seals? Tell me more how long has. Seafoam been this way?

 

[jbh3]

Bill Cornwell - 7/3/2016 6:43 AM

lafae7 - 7/2/2016 6:05 PM

I would try to get off the seafoam if you can. That stuff eats gaskets and seals pretty bad.... I work in the chemical industry so.... I would 'heed' my warning.

Can you recommend something safer but just as good ?

Bill

According to it's MSDS, Seafoam contains quite a bit of isopropyl alcohol (aka IPA), which is believed to a bad thing. The Mercury decarb product, "Quickleen" has no IPA. There are probably others. FWIW, I used Seafoam for years with no issues. I do now use the Mercury products, however. Whatever you use, I would use it as recommended in every tank to keep the carbon from becoming excessive and causing issues. Good luck!

 

[jdw2920]

I've never been a fan of seafoam I ran it through 2 vehicles one time and never again

 

[BulletTJ]

I have been using a mixture of SeaFoam and Mercury Quickleen for years. I have NEVER had a issue with gaskets or seals. I always run 100% gas, no ethanol in my engines. The ethanol will do some serious damage to fuel systems on engines that sit for extended periods of time. I have had several engine mechanics comment on how great my engines look. There is little to no carbon build up in my engines. I will continue to use my mixture. If you have any questions go to BassBoatCentral.com and do a search. There is a detailed conversation from one of the best Mercury mechanics in the country.

 

[Aries 181]

jbh3 - 7/3/2016 9:29 AM

Bill Cornwell - 7/3/2016 6:43 AM

lafae7 - 7/2/2016 6:05 PM

I would try to get off the seafoam if you can. That stuff eats gaskets and seals pretty bad.... I work in the chemical industry so.... I would 'heed' my warning.

Can you recommend something safer but just as good ?

Bill

According to it's MSDS, Seafoam contains quite a bit of isopropyl alcohol (aka IPA), which is believed to a bad thing. The Mercury decarb product, "Quickleen" has no IPA. There are probably others. FWIW, I used Seafoam for years with no issues. I do now use the Mercury products, however. Whatever you use, I would use it as recommended in every tank to keep the carbon from becoming excessive and causing issues. Good luck!

I'll definitely start using quickeen once I run out the 30 gal I just treated with seafoam.

Thanks,
Bill

 

[bullet02]

I agree with bulletTJ, been using it for years and no problems at all. Dons coctail will save you a few dollars in the long run. But I'm still curious to hear more about this "eats gaskets and seals" comment. Just something else to think about. Their is a marine store within driving distance that their mechanics will tell you that if they get a boat in with problems related to fuel (especially carb motors) first thing they do is run 5 gallons of gas to 1 can of Seafoam through it. Apparently their are alot of people that just idle and ease around and never use any kind of product like Seafoam quickleen or ringfree.

 

[EricM]

On the advice of a well-known local outboard engine rebuilder, I have been using Berryman's B-12 fuel additive since he rebuilt mine. 1 can per tankful. No problems whatsoever with fuel lines or engine. Now that I think about it, I have not changed spark plugs since (3 or 4 years) and it still starts and runs great. Guess I'm due for a plug change anyway...... emoBigsmile

 

[Gator]

I'm thinking that Berryman B-12 does the same job as Seafoam and cost about 1/2 the price BUT don't get it on paint as it might just take it off.

 

[Hook1]

Berriman B12 works much better for me. I don't have to use it all the time either.

 

[Hawgcaller]

i think ill stick to Merc quickkleen rather than listen to any advice from an engine builder. espically berriman, that stuff works miracles getting off old gaskets and block sealer when your rebuilding . The only berriman product that we used was for the parts washer! just my 2 cents