Sea foam

[Glenn Basore]

Has any one use this product ?

Glenn

[Billy]

I used that w/ stabil and have only been using stabil lately, no problems here.

[BobK]

Sea Foam is an excellent carb cleaner while the engine is still running.  If you add it to the gas before the engine quits it will clean the gunk left by the ethanol out of the jets while the engine runs.  If the engine starts running rough or won't idle up and you think it might be fuel related use sea foam.  Once the engine stops running the carb has to be removed and cleaned.

[Billy]

Bob your post just reminded me I heard that....

Use Seafoam when you are using the motor often, day to day, but if the gas has to sit a month or longer then Stabil is the better product. I try to never let my gas sit that long. I'll get out the funel and pour it into the truck.

[BobK]

Billy,

You are right.  Sea Foam does not extend the life of gas, it cleans the fuel system.  There is a product "STA-BIL" that is available at any car parts store that is rated as the best for extending the life of gas.  I have an antique inboard that only gets run a few times a year and sta-bil keeps the gas fresh 6 mos plus.
Bobk

[Billy]

you said that way better than I did.
+1

[Bob23]

I think they make a marine Sta-bil also although I've just used the regular stuff with great results. Remember to use premium fuel also. Apparently in contains less ethanol than regular. Using Sta-bil in my premium fuel in my 1988 Nissan 8 hp 2 stroke, I enjoy a fuel trouble free summer every year. I also maintain little "Miss Nissan" well...gotta keep the ladies happy!
Bob23

[Glenn Basore]

The last time I had my boat out (Sept last year) my 4 stroke Mercury 4hp motor would not run at high speed. it would idle okay and pushed me along slowly but would cough / sputter and stop running when I gave it the gas.

I was thinking it was the gas since it sat for a couple of months. the motor is a 2006 and has less that 12 hrs on it.

So, is this a gas problem or is it my carburetor ?

It also starts okay!

I bought the Sea Foam to try it out, hopping for a fast fix!


Glenn

[wes]

Glenn - I just had exactly the same problem with my 5 HP Mercury. Mechanic says it's the carburetor jets - "tiny motors have tiny jets" and are much more prone to clogging up if not used for a while, compared to the big outboards. He says make sure to run the motor at least once a month - which unfortunately is not an option for me. So I am a new convert to Sta-Bil, hoping it will extend the safe time between cranking the motor. It will be interesting to hear whether Sea Foam can clean up your situation. I needed some other work done on my motor, so opted to just have the carb professionally cleaned.

[Glenn Basore]

Wes,

I will most likely change the plug, filter and add some premium gas with the Sea Foam and run it in my tank at home to see what happens !

The weather has been nice, may be I will tackle this some time during the week

[BobK]

Glenn,

You may have to run a gallon of gas through it with a few ounces of Sea Foam in it before the jets are clean.  I will not clean them out in just a few minutes.

Bobk

[Glenn Basore]

Bob,

I guess I should just put the boat in the water and motor about for a while just to run the gas through it, at least I will be on the water!

Glenn

[capt_nemo]

I've used Sea Foam as a cleansing and "tune up" agent in outboards, generators, and motorcycles and it performed well.

For outboards, fresh gas is of paramount importance. Many mechanics say that a high percentage of problems are the result of "bad" gas.

I've had a number of outboards used for both pleasure and critical dinghy propulsion while cruising to distant shores. I never had a problem due to "bad" gas because for many years EVERY OUNCE of gas in all my outboards had Sta-Bil added.

As small boat sailors, many of us do not use our outboards for long periods of time. This makes it even more important to use SMALL TANKS, REFILL OFTEN (with fresh gas), and ADD STA-BIL to every ounce!

[bob lamb]

Anybody have info on using Sea Foam in diesel???

[BobK]

Bob

I never tried it in a diesel - but it says it will work.
http://www.seafoamsales.com/how-to-use-sea-foam-motor-treatment.html
I use to put a quart of dexron transmission fluid in 10 gallons of fuel in my cars with diesel engines to clean the injectors.

Bobk