curtcwc Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 Hey Gang, Got a question for you. I am getting ready to Seafoam my 94 Pathfinder and need some help. Many of the online videos show using the brake booster vacuum line is how to pour Seafoam into the intake. However, I also read that for my engine, that will only clean cylinders 5 & 6. Is there any truth to that? They recommended using a vacuum line instead, but did not say which one or where it is located. Do you know or have a picture? Thanks! Curt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpecialWarr Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 I don't really see how it's possible that _only_ #5 & 6 get cleaned by using the vacuum hose that goes to the brake booster.... it's an intake hose... it leads to the intake manifold and as such is not exclusive to one or two cylinders. It may clean those two a bit _more_ but unless there is something else going on inside the manifold all cylinders are fed air by it collectively. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terranovation Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 By feeding 1/3 of a can into the vacuum line, Sea Foam will clean the intake valves and pistons, restore power, and remove carbon and varnish residue. The first two uses are relatively easy, you just pour it in and drive. The top-end introduction is a little more tricky. Start by locating a vacuum line. For most vehicles, the power brake boost line will be the easiest. It is vital that the line services all cylinders, so it should be located at or near/under the throttle body or carburetor. Remove the line from the accessory (not the engine side), and start the vehicle. Copy pasted direct from the Seafoam website. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curtcwc Posted September 2, 2016 Author Share Posted September 2, 2016 Thanks SpecialWarr and Terranovation for your feedback, much appreciated ! I will do the procedure over the weekend. Take care, Curt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terranovation Posted September 2, 2016 Share Posted September 2, 2016 No worries curtcwc, let us know the results. We don't have this Seafoam stuff in Australia. I've seen vids on youtube about it. I'd love to see the results on a diesel like mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 I tried it on my '95. Noticed no difference except a headache from standing downwind like an idiot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesRich Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 (edited) Use the PCV vacuum line to feed the seafoam in. It won't be as easy as using the brake booster line you might have to use a piece of hose to reach. All the poop that you are trying to clean out of the intake came in through the PCV line so it makes since to feed the seafoam in through the same line. That is why catch cans are popular. A catch can "catches" all the oil vapors coming from the crank case and condenses them back to oil so they never go into the intake and sludge it up. James Edited September 3, 2016 by JamesRich 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCWD21 Posted September 4, 2016 Share Posted September 4, 2016 (edited) In addition to James's comment above mine: If you're going to start using a catch can make sure it is a baffled design catch can, the cheap ones are hollow and just allow most of the oil mist to go straight through. If you use a hollow style can, put some thick steel wool inside of it if you can to give the oil mist something to cling to. Oh and don't get one with the level indicator tube on the side, they will leak eventually and make a huge mess, just check/ drain the can (depending on design used) every or every other oil change and you should be good to go. Sent from inside my potato Edited September 4, 2016 by RCWD21 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesRich Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 In addition to James's comment above mine: If you're going to start using a catch can make sure it is a baffled design catch can, the cheap ones are hollow and just allow most of the oil mist to go straight through. If you use a hollow style can, put some thick steel wool inside of it if you can to give the oil mist something to cling to. Oh and don't get one with the level indicator tube on the side, they will leak eventually and make a huge mess, just check/ drain the can (depending on design used) every or every other oil change and you should be good to go. Sent from inside my potato Another note on a catch can, mount it as close as you can so you can use the shortest hose possible. I've seen too many people mount them next to their battery which looks good and is easy then complained they didn't get any oil out of it. Too much hose kills the efficiency of the PCV system and can harm your engine. I think MY1PATH was using a catch can when he still had his TBI injection. Not sure if he kept it when he went MPI but he should still have pics somewhere. James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curtcwc Posted September 7, 2016 Author Share Posted September 7, 2016 Here is my write up on the Seafoam treatment I performed over the weekend. 1.) First, I made sure the engine was warmed up by driving it to Walmart to buy Seafoam and throttle body cleaner. 2.) Next, I did end up using the brake booster vacuum line for simplicity. I poured 1/3 of a can of Seafoam into a shallow cup. 3.) Keep your thumb over the vacuum line until you are ready to stick it in the cup. Small sips are best to prevent the engine from stalling out. 4.) A few times I did need to rev the engine, so I just pulled on the throttle body cable. About the time the last sip was completed, I saw a puff of smoke exit the tailpipe. 5.) I quickly turned off the engine and let it sit for 30 minutes. While I waiting, I also cleaned by throttle body. 6.) I removed the throttle body boot and used a rubber strap to keep the throttle body door/flap open. I sprayed throttle body cleaner into the opening and used old tooth brushes to clean the inside. 7.) It was very dirty, thick sludge and tar like gunk stuck to the tooth brushes. I used over a 1/2 can of cleaner before it was finally clean. This process took almost 30 minutes. 8.) I then cranked up my Pathy, revved up the engine and OMG!!!!! White/Blue smoked rolled out of it for almost 10 minutes. Thick as fog at first, then finally thinning out. 9.) For me, I can tell the difference. The engine is more responsive and the RPMs climb quicker and much smoother, no hesitation or resistance in the power band. Good luck !! Curt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasledfarmer Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 I just cleaned out my throttle body and I actually flooded the engine . I let it sit for more than a day then smashed down the accelerator and cranked it. It turned on, but like Curt, my Pathfinder was blowing thick nasty smoke. After a while the smoke cleared and it accelerates better than before. Would anyone know if changing the fuel pressure regulator will help restore performance? I use to work at O'Reilly Auto Parts and Sea Foam has given us a demo as to how it would work. They used that stuff on everything from throttle body's, as engine oil & fuel additives and even on a lawnmower. It's suppose to help clean o2 sensors as well (at least that's what we were told). I haven't used it on my Pathy but I think I'll buy some and give it a whirl this weekend. I now work at a GM dealership (Cadillac, Buick, GMC) so I think I'm gonna have one of the Tech's use the machine to flush my injectors. I figure it could use both cleanings after nearly 300K miles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted September 8, 2016 Share Posted September 8, 2016 I don't hear about many pressure regulators going bad. Unless you check fuel pressure and it's weird, or there's fuel piddling out the vacuum line, I'd leave it alone. Replace the vac line going to it if you haven't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie_Brown Posted October 26, 2016 Share Posted October 26, 2016 Has anyone ever used sea foam in their oil? I read something about putting a full can of it in your oil so it can clean the gunk out after so many miles then getting an oil change and switching the filter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuong Nguyen Posted October 27, 2016 Share Posted October 27, 2016 I have never done it nor have I tried it with ATF. I would probably go with ATF over seafoam though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maaakaaa Posted December 9, 2016 Share Posted December 9, 2016 I did use Seafoam in the engine oil in my Passport (previous vehicle), but didn't notice much difference. I'm kinda scared to do it in my Pathfinder because of the nagging idea that the gunk is all that is holding the oil in! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue109 Posted December 9, 2016 Share Posted December 9, 2016 I'm kinda scared to do it in my Pathfinder because of the nagging idea that the gunk is all that is holding the oil in! I feel the same way. Every time I put a fresh clean part on this truck I worry all the parts around it are going to disintegrate lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCWD21 Posted December 9, 2016 Share Posted December 9, 2016 ATF doesn't contain as many detergents as people think. It's a hydraulic oil so it only has a limited detergent package for use in transmissions and power steering applications. When people use it as an engine cleaner via vacuum induction they think that all the smoke is carbon and gunk being burned off but it's not very much. Sent from inside my potato Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now