I did the obligatory search and find lot's of references, but my question is specific. I admit to using inexpensive fuel injector cleaner but I keep seeing references to Seafoam on this forum.

Do you...

1) add Seafoam to a tank of gasoline (and if yes, how often)?

2) add Seafoam to your oil (how far do you run it before changing the oil/filter)?

3) both?

 

the "real" seafoam treatment is running it through the vac lines

not sure which ones to use on the 2.7t though

 

yeah i think running it throuh the vac lines is the most effective way of doin it!
thats how i do it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7zyifZi9HM
ps. it is recomended that you change ur sparkplugs after tho!

 

I did all three.

1. I poured a whole can in a full tank of gas. After that tank of gas, I replaced my fuel filter.
2. I poured about 1/2 can into the crank case. Replaced oil and filter after about 50 miles.
3. I sucked in about 1/3 can through the vacuum hose connected to the fuel pressure regulator while the car is running. Make sure you are in an open area. It will smoke out the whole neighborhood.

I really felt the difference after these steps.

 

One more piece of information... although it may not be related, I developed an oil leak after the seafoam treatment. (Typical places as in valve cover and rear cam chain tensioner seal) Seafoam in crankcase will dissolve built-up gunk in your crank case. This is what it is designed to do, and may cause a new leak to develop around old gaskets and seals. It didn't matter for me because I was planning on doing the seals anyways. Also if your seals are new, I think you are safe.

 

I put an entire can in the fuel tank on a full tank.

1/3-1/2 can in the crankcase and run the engine hot let it sit for a couple hours drive 30 miles then let it sit again and change it in the morning. I figure stirring it up and spreading it around will let the solvent get to the crap and loosen it better. My heads are super clean.

1/3 can via Vacuum line for the manifold and valves let it suck it in good then turn off the car and let it sit 20-30 minutes so the solvent can loosen some of the crap and then start it up give it some more and blow it out. Alot of smoke! so you may want to do it at night when nobody can see.

Then change your plugs or if you have good plugs in now buy some cheapos for the seafoam treatment. You don't want to ruin $10 plugs

You will notice better acceleration from the vacuum treatment. probably because it cleans the manifold and intake valve surfaces allowing smoother fuel flow. Unfortunatley I don't think it does much to the exhaust valves, but you take what you can get right.

 

Is it safe to put in the crank case Seafoam for about 70 miles prior to changing the oil when a valve cover gasket is leaking?
(the leakage trickles onto the side heat shield, and subsequently onto the downpipe/Cat)

Thanks.

 

I don't see why not. The leak may grow though.

 

I asked because Seafoam (as any other additive) is petroleum-based, hence subject to fire hazard. It may or it may not modify oil's properties - fire-hazard wise, as it drips over the hot downpipes/cat(s).
The leak wouldn't be a concern, because I will replace that cover gasket anyway.

Thanks, HX.