Seafoam??

[Cadeez]

I just came across a pretty interesting forum topic about putting Seafoam in the vacuum hose on your brake booster and in your gas tank? Does this really help clean out deposits with no harmful side effects?? The thread has mostly good, but some "mixed" reviews. I recognized a few Mafia members on the thread so I figured I'd revisit the topic here to see if anyone's opinions have changed. Yes Dane, I'm talking to you!

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1369793-Seafoam-diy-done

[danewilson77]

I've done it on both e46's I've owned. What is your question homey?

"No flamesuit required"

[Cadeez]

Well basically, does it work and is it worth it? I've been reading up on it, and it's mostly great reviews, with a few haters mixed in. This forever long thread below has a ton of info from folks who've used it, and it sounds like it really does work. Naturally I'm just slightly nervous about the "what if" factor, ya dig? I saw that you used it successfully, like 10 years ago though... Sounds like the method of 1/3's is the way to go, 1/3 bottle down the brake booster vacuum hose, 1/3 bottle in the crank case oil filler & 1/3 in the gas tank at around 1/4-1/2 tank of gas. Then also spray 1/2 can of the "deep creep" aerosol down the intake tube after the MAF. Sound about right?

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=620082&page=15

[Hermes]

There is actually a formula on the bottle. What you pour in your engine is determined by volume.

Also, I wouldn't use the line from the brake booster. I've never done it to my E46 but the point of it is to get it evenly spread through the intake manifold. Generally BMW runs the booster vacuum off a single intake runner

[LivesNearCostco]

I tried 1/3 in brake booster line, 1/3 in gas tank, 1/3 in oil, and 1/3 in a fruit smoothie, but my math must have been off or the store swindled me because I could not find all 4 thirds in the can.

Actually I put about 1/3 into the brake booster line and did not notice any differences, positive or negative.

[TheFinanceGuy]

I use it in my fuel tank occasionally. However, have never used it in the oil or intake. Never had a reason to try it. I sort of follow the "if it aint broke, don't fix it" mantra. High Quality Fresh oil, and fresh fuel seem to work fine for me.

[johnrando]

After all the gunk from my bad CCV, I'm considering doing this. I read a lot on it as well with mostly positive reviews (from non BMW forums as well).

[Dave1027]

Hey John,

That actually sounds like it may be one beneficial thing you can do with seafoam.

First disconnect the drain hose to the dipstick tube and put it into a container to catch the gunk. Disconnect the CCV hose from the valve cover with the engine idling and spray seafoam into it. That theoretically should clean it out.

BTW, was your old CCV full of gunk? Being a southern CA car I would think it would be pretty clean.

[CarbonZHP]

I did it a while ago. Poured it slowly in the brake booster while someone else held the revs at 1k. Think I poured half the bottle in and then turned the engine off. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Started it up and started ripping the revs. Theres a video on my instagram. Most smoke I've seen in my life. Other half went in the gas tank later. I would say I feel a noticeable difference and the motor seems to rev more freely.

[johnrando]

Hey John,

That actually sounds like it may be one beneficial thing you can do with seafoam.

First disconnect the drain hose to the dipstick tube and put it into a container to catch the gunk. Disconnect the CCV hose from the valve cover with the engine idling and spray seafoam into it. That theoretically should clean it out.

BTW, was your old CCV full of gunk? Being a southern CA car I would think it would be pretty clean.

Well it's a new one now so that's not needed for that particularly. Thanks for the suggestion. I would not really say "full of gunk" but there was some in there, plus oil in the intake, etc.

[Cadeez]

I did it a while ago. Poured it slowly in the brake booster while someone else held the revs at 1k. Think I poured half the bottle in and then turned the engine off. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Started it up and started ripping the revs. Theres a video on my instagram. Most smoke I've seen in my life. Other half went in the gas tank later. I would say I feel a noticeable difference and the motor seems to rev more freely.

Cool thanks for the nod, I think I'm gonna do it. I've heard enough great things about it that I'm on board. I've got nearly 150k and she's a bit sluggish, so I'm sure I've got some buildup in there. I just hope I don't foul any plugs since I just replaced them about 8k ago, or any O2 sensors. Did you have any issues with CEL's, plugs, sensors or anything afterwards? Did you change your oil after driving it for 50-100 miles as well?

I watched the vid on your IG, in fact that's what started this whole mess for me haha. Very nice car by the way, that things is cleeean

[Dave1027]

I did it a while ago. Poured it slowly in the brake booster while someone else held the revs at 1k.


You didn't actually pour it into the brake booster itself, did you? I would think you'd pour it into the vacuum hose that goes to the brake booster.

[CarbonZHP]

Correct, brake booster vacuum hose. Alot of good filling up just the booster wouldve done me

[Hermes]

I think if I was to do it I would fill from the f-tube on the intake boot so it spreads evenly through the manifold

[ryankokesh]

I think if I was to do it I would fill from the f-tube on the intake boot so it spreads evenly through the manifold

Interesting... might be a dumb question, but from what part of the "F"?

Anyone tried this?

[Hermes]

Now that I actually popped my hood I don't see an easy way to do it. Maybe if you get a piece of vac line from the parts store and just attach it to one of the ports on the f pipe

[CarbonZHP]

I made myself a funnel. Very tight funnel

[Johnmadd]

Now that I actually popped my hood I don't see an easy way to do it. Maybe if you get a piece of vac line from the parts store and just attach it to one of the ports on the f pipe

http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/johnmadd1979/2015-02-06%2017.13.44.jpg (http://s1210.photobucket.com/user/johnmadd1979/media/2015-02-06%2017.13.44.jpg.html)
I agree. I would go before the pump if it sucks or buy vacuum line and go to the port on the intake/blank.