Seafoam use

[garnold]

Folks, what is the best way to use this product with our K Series Engines? Do you just pour it into the gas or have you found other ways to use it that have been helpful? I've used that magic marvel stuff (or whatever it's called) and that can be used in the gas and also poured into the piston. I've read the directions on how to use this stuff but still just wanted to ask if others might have found more productive ways of using this product. Thanks!

[longislandcubs]

I use Seafoam in all my machine's, I find it's easier to mix it in gasoline container. This way I can can mix it correctly.

[darkminion_17]

Originally Posted by longislandcubs

I use Seafoam in all my machine's, I find it's easier to mix it in gasoline container. This way I can can mix it correctly.

Yes it works well being you are by the the sea,but he is inland so I am not sure if they make mountain foam...

Personally I never used the hokus pocus stuff.drain the tanks and carbs on my stuff and call it a done deal.When I want to use one of the cubs,I put FRESH gas in it and it starts right up.

[Merk]

Best thing to do is not use it.


I've tried sea foam several times...mainly at plow days. Every time My tractors were down on power to not run at all. It was mix per container directions.


I know one person who started using sea crap in his Kohler. Kohler didn't use oil before sea foam was used. It did a few months after using this product. Sea foam did what it was suppose to do....loosen-dissolve carbon build it. It left carbon to float around in the cylinder and cause other problems.

[Sam Mac]

I've used Sea-Foam with good results in carbs that have moderate buildup for lack of a better term. It seemed to make them run better. I also use Chevron Techron injector cleaner. I prefer the Chevron stuff. That said if you have a plugged carb non of the magic in a can will solve your problems.

[john hall]

Never had a problem using Seafoam dumped in the gas tank. I don't measure, just make an educated guess as to how much fuel is in the tank and how much Seafoam I am pouring in. Never had it to cause a problem. Of course I've never tried using it in anything that was really gunked up, just stuff that was running a little rough. As long as you don't expect it to perform miracles I think it works great. If your fuel tank is full of water and trash or you carb is completely gummed up, you're going to have to turn some wrenches.

[moingonaman]

Two cents worth from Iowa

I had a 1450 that was running rough. It is my main grass mowing tractor and my first Cub, meaning it has been getting consistent summer long use for many years.

Poured a few ounces of Seafoam in the gas tank and almost immediately the engine smoothed out.

I am a believer.

[johncub7172]

I never tried the Sea Foam. But, I do use Marvel Mystery Oil in my gasoline once in a while. I never "dump", or begin using snake oils UNLESS I had first already pulled the engine head, cleaning carbon from both the head and block. This way, I don't concern myself with the question: "Where does all that Crap go?". You are also starting out with a clean slate. I have done this for years, and never had any issues with MMO.

Though I have to wonder, gasoline had lead in it back in the day. So, I think it's fair to say something is missing that is good for valves in these older, Kohler engines. This could have been known long before that huge Kohler Service manual was written, so don't bother slamming me with the book. What need for a MMO recommendation with leaded gasoline to be found in the operator's manual? Furthermore, for what it's worth, I even have used chain saw mix gasoline in my cubs with no problems at all, that don't do anymore to the Kohler as it does for a good running chain saw!

Just got a 125 in, and the exhaust valve was stuck, leading the former owner to believe the k301 was "blown-up". Nope, crappy gas, and a miserable carbon'ed-up head, valves, and piston.

edit: 10:02am, 7/28/16:

Mark, Though I never preformed your experiment, I did/do however, use the MMO to clean and remove carbon, sludge, and rust with decent results.

[Tom4981]

I used some in the chainsaw, it idles really nice now.

[Doug Doty]

I think the seafoam is good for dissolving varnish in carbs and the bottom of small fuel tanks. I have seen it improve running quality many times. Non alcohol farm or boat gas is our best friend on these old carbonated engines. I go out and get 100 octane LL ( low Lead ) as it still has some lead to protect the decades of airplane engines that were designed to use it as a lubrication for the valves mostly. I mix it with farm gas to make what I think is a perfect blend since the small engines do not need that much lead and the aviation gas can sit in a fuel tank for years and still seem to perform well if woken up from a very !! long sleep. Must be loaded with some type of preservatives. Straight AV gas is a bit too lead heavy for our little kohler engines as it can lead foul the spark plugs on weaker ignitions.

The real issue with all this alcohol gas these days is what is left behind when the gas portion evaporates out of vented carbs. The remaining cocktail seems to be very corrosive and I have seen it literally eat holes through small engine and boat carbs. Good old gas did not do that.