Fuel System Cleaner Q

KatoKato · 04-09-2005, 03:38 AM

For my daily drivers I have always added a large does of fuel injector cleaner to the tank of gas before an upcoming oil change. (Amsoil PI or equivalent)

Since the purchase of my 911 I have never done this as I'm worried that the cleaner might cause more harm than good in bringing through 20 years of gunk upon first application. (as far as I know the gas tank is original and perhaps the lines as well).

Does this sound reasonable ?
Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,

wholberg · wholberg's Garage

I would go ahead and treat the car. All of these engine cleaners are no more than a solvent that redissolves residues of low-volatility left by gasoline over time. Solid residues go back into solution and are then burned or eliminated.

If you are worried about putting too much dissolved junk into the fuel system at once, run two tanksfuls with half-strength treatments, followed by a full-strength treatment and them the oil change.

KatoKato · 04-09-2005, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wholberg
If you are worried about putting too much dissolved junk into the fuel system at once, run two tanksfuls with half-strength treatments, followed by a full-strength treatment and them the oil change.

Sounds reasonable.
Cheers,

Oh Haha · 04-09-2005, 06:02 PM

Hey Kato,
Did you ever get your muffler?
I have found good results with a product called Seafoam. I learned of it here on the BBS. It works fantastic. I use it in all my personal vehicles as well as my delivery trucks. You should be able to find it at your local Autozone or Carquest, if you have them in Ontario. It is a fuel supplement.

buch911 · 04-09-2005, 09:36 PM

I would also Highly recommend Sea Foam, made right here in Minnesota.
100% petroleum product
I use it for winter storage in all fuel around house 2 & 4 cycle never had any problems.

KatoKato · 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oh Haha
Hey Kato,
Did you ever get your muffler?

Hi Wayne,

Yep. I purchased a Dansk pre-muffler and am sticking with the stock muffler as it has much life left in it. I also purchased one of Steve's chips. Right now I'm waiting to get the car out, get the e-test, and then do the job. Don't know when that'll be since my wife and I are expecting a baby in the coming week.

I don't think we have either of those here in Ontario but I'll do a search and see what I come up with. Who make this "Sea Foam"?

Cheers,

Oh Haha · 04-10-2005, 04:40 AM

Congrats on the new addition!
I don't know the manufacturer of Seafoam, like a parent company or something. Try your local parts store. Seafoam is pretty popular on the east coast as well.
Just checked my last can inthe garage. www.seafoamsales.com

KatoKato · 04-10-2005, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oh Haha
Congrats on the new addition!

Thanks. We are very excited for Boy#2. Boy#1 turned three last month. It will be a big adjustment around here but we'll manage.

Did you notice my previous thread on the three point seat belt upgrade in the rear? (planning for the future)

Cheers,

KatoKato · 04-10-2005, 05:12 AM

This one?

Oh Haha · 04-10-2005, 05:16 AM

That's the one!
I use it everything.
Geez, I am thinking about running over to Port Huron today to see my Mom before she goes to Florida. Not set in stone but....how far are you from there?

KatoKato · 04-17-2005, 06:39 AM

Wayne,

I contacted Sea Foam and there are a couple of auto shops in town that carry it.

The sales rep. asked me what I would want to use it for and he responded as follows:

"Use 1/3 can with the car running through the brake vacuum line, thiswill melt the varnish and carbon at the back of your intake valves and top of your pistons,put the line back on the booster and shut the engine off,wait 5 minutes and then from a stop floor the pedal do this until all the smoke is gone.. 1/3 in the tank this will remove moisture lubricate your fuel pump and clean your gas line and injectors as you drive. The last 1/3 in your oil through the filler cap this will remove moisture as well as melt
varnish around the lifters and if you are passing oil between oil changes and it's not a mechanical problem the scrapper ring is stuck on the pistonand Sea Foam will melt that varnish and the ring will pop out and scrap the
cylinder(s) same with a compression ring.You must change the oil after 25km.if you do not want to put in the oil use it 50/50 vacuum line and gas tank. This product is safe safe safe, if you had 3 cans in your trunk and ran out of gas just put in and you will drive 10 km as this product is petroleum.
Regards Paul Durkin"

Quite abit of detail. Any comments from other Pelicanites on the proposed usage?

Cheers,

Oh Haha · 04-17-2005, 08:28 AM

I just use it in the gas tank. I t seems to work well so far. I think if you had a car that had sat for years or was not maintained, I would use the brake booster method. Up to you, I guess.

KatoKato · 04-17-2005, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oh Haha
...I think if you had a car that had sat for years or was not maintained, I would use the brake booster method...

I don't think that it's sat for years but am unsure of maintenance. The only thing I know is that the old engine was replaced with a used 87' Carrera engine at 140,000 km in 1995 (old engine scavenged for parts and assumed a full rebuild). It now has 215,000 kms.

If it can't hurt then perhaps I'll do it.

As you know I have no clue as to how to proceed with the brake booster method. The Bentley manual is on my Christmas list so perhaps in another season.

Cheers,

KatoKato · 04-24-2005, 10:25 AM

Hi Wayne,

This "brake vacuum line" method sounds like it's worth a try.

Does anyone out there have an engine pic where they could point this line out to me?

The way it sounds to me is that I disconnect this line while the car is running, dip into can of seafoam, let the line suck up 1/3 of the can, reconnect the line and turn the car off.

Let sit for 5 minutes then start car and burn the stuff off.

Does that sound like what the rep. is describing?

Kato

Quote:

Originally posted by Oh Haha
I just use it in the gas tank. I t seems to work well so far. I think if you had a car that had sat for years or was not maintained, I would use the brake booster method. Up to you, I guess.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

My local Napa auto parts carries SeaFoam and I'm going to try a can in my gas tank as soon as it stops snowing here!!

hkspwrsche · 04-24-2005, 12:13 PM

Do not put that in your oil... everything else is reasonable-- JMO....

KatoKato · 04-24-2005, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hkspwrsche
Do not put that in your oil... everything else is reasonable-- JMO....

My initial thought about putting it in the oil was negative as well. The rep. suggests that in an engine with hight mileage to do the 1/3 can and drive 15 miles only and then do the oil change as this first application will dissolve much varnish, sludge, etc.

I'm thinking that this could dislodge large chunks and muck up the oil cooler lines or could "unsettle" seals etc. causing oil leaks and what-not.

His recomendation after the first oil application is:

1) after each oil change put one can in the gas tank.
2) after every other oil change put 1/2 can in the oil (leaving it in there until the next oil change).

Any other comments?