oil change, how much seafoam?

[halcombrick]

hey guys, i finally got my bike up and running, but dont want to ride it much without an oil change, i am going to put some seafoam in, take it for a good ride and then change the oil, my question is, do i use half a can since it says one can treats 10 galloons? if i do use half a can in the oil is it a good idea to put the other half in the gas tank or save it and use something like gumout fuel system cleaner

[roadwanderer2]

hey Hal, glad you finally got your bike up and running again, and from what I heard, you can put the whole container in the oil,(16oz) after you drain some of the oil out. it was mentioned that you can take the oil filter off, let it drain and put it back in. that will give you some "filling" room for the Seafoam, ride it "gently" for about an hour or roughly 60 miles then change the oil and filter.

I put about 1/3 of a container into my fuel tank every time I fill it up.

stuart.

[CMReynolds1]

Okay, I got a dumb question. What is seafoam?

Thanks!!

[roadwanderer2]

Okay, I got a dumb question. What is seafoam?

Thanks!!

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Seafoam is a petroleum based cleaner, lubricant, stabilizer and moisture controller that maintains fuel and oil system components. it wont harm your engine components, seals, gaskets or other internal engine parts. basically what it is is an internal engine, fuel system, carb cleaner rolled into one product. I use 1/3 of a container in every tank, and im also going to try using it in my oil before my next oil change. it makes a difference, (I have found) in my bike's performance and fuel mileage.

stuart.

[golden highway]

If you read the directions on the can it tells you how to use it and you do not need to drain any oil when using seafoam. If you do you will find you low on oil after you run the motor.

As a pre-service cleaner for old oil residue, (and to address valve train noise and timing chain hydraulic tensioner noise), pour 1 ½ ounces of Sea Foam Motor Treatment into the engine oil crankcase for each quart of oil capacity, including filter. Drive a minimum of 30 minutes (a maximum of 100 miles), and then do your oil change service. This begins the process of safely/slowly re-liquefying the old oil residue so contaminants may flow and be filtered away. Your old oil will quickly become much dirtier, so an oil change service will be necessary soon after this pre-service treatment. This is also a great idea for turbocharged and supercharged applications where oils deteriorate so quickly due to heat, leaving those residues that need cleaning.

[CMReynolds1]

Thanks to all, I am now smarter! I appreciate the info.

[Ghostman]

Also after putting seafoam in the oil take it easy while riding it. Dont wind up the RPMs and such ,just go for a nice 100 or so mile ride and let it do its stuff. I had an 86 1200 I bought used. While changing the waterpump out I found out how little the previous owner had changed the oil. Inside the bottom of the motor was old oil you could pull your fingers through. Running some seafoam and using Rotella oil I went for a nice 150+ mile ride and took it easy. The crap that came out was just plain ugly. But after that it was smoother and shifted better. But to be sure I changed the oil after about 500 miles one more time. After that the oil stayed nice and golden.

[Happytrails]

Yes please read the instructions on the can. I believe for oil it is maybe 4oz (I have not try this yet so not sure) then ride awhile and change oil while still warm (but dont burn fingers). Some people put entire can in gas tank if bike has been sitting and they are having carb stutter issue and hope to fix it. Ethanol is horrible for our bikes so I try to regularly add 4-6oz every other fillup during riding season. I noticing that Seafoams is gone up in price. Used to pay $8/can now $12/can? It work so good in Goldwing I now use it in truck. And truck is very happy now too.

[roadwanderer2]

Yes please read the instructions on the can. I believe for oil it is maybe 4oz (I have not try this yet so not sure) then ride awhile and change oil while still warm (but dont burn fingers). Some people put entire can in gas tank if bike has been sitting and they are having carb stutter issue and hope to fix it. Ethanol is horrible for our bikes so I try to regularly add 4-6oz every other fillup during riding season. I noticing that Seafoams is gone up in price. Used to pay $8/can now $12/can? It work so good in Goldwing I now use it in truck. And truck is very happy now too.

yeah, Seafoam has gotten expensive, but, if your military or a veteran, you can go into just about any "main stream" auto parts store and get a 10% military discount. I use mine for every purchase I make, even if its for a hose clamp.

stuart.

[CMReynolds1]

I try to do the same Stuart. I recall when I had my 82 Interstate we used to use a couple of ounces or the good ole' Marvel Mystery Oil. Sounds like SeaFoam is the new stuff of that. So, with the new F6B, I will switch to that. Live and Learn!

Thanks All!

[roadwanderer2]

I try to do the same Stuart. I recall when I had my 82 Interstate we used to use a couple of ounces or the good ole' Marvel Mystery Oil. Sounds like SeaFoam is the new stuff of that. So, with the new F6B, I will switch to that. Live and Learn!

Thanks All!

ya know, I was actually thinking about going back to using MMO. its cheaper and it does the same job.

stuart.

[golden highway]

I have used MMO and Lucas and both seem to work fine and are cheaper. I like the Lucas the best. I don't know why but when I have what seems like a stubborn problem I use the seafoam. I started using two stroke oil to winterize with. It seems to work the best with fewer problems.

[Breakdancer]

Hey there all, Golden Highway is correct. 1 1/2oz. per qt. Can be used with regular and synthetic oils. Gas or diesel. 2 or 4 stroke. It can also be used before or after an oil change. As for adding to the tank, use 1 oz. per gallon.

Not that I knew this but I'm sitting next to the can and reading off of it

I have been using this since mid 70's? The can says it has been around since 1942.

Also, there is NO such thing on this site as a "dumb" question. If there was I would have to call myself an idiot for as much as I know about bikes.

[roadwanderer2]

I never even heard of Seafoam until I started using it in my wing from recommendations on this site for combatting the use ethanol fuels in my gas tank. I do have to say is does make a difference in mileage and performance.

stuart.

[ram11397]

Seaform is the stuff!!!!!
use it in my gas and oil
and is it a great product "it works for me"

Rick

PS gave out cans to my motorcycle friends for xmas wrapped it up they thought small bottle of booze lol

[halcombrick]

got me a can, luckily here in east tn its just 7.99 a can so thats good, ill probably put half in the oil and half in the fuel, thanks everyone for the tips.

[redial]

Hey Rick,
I can be your friend Christmas is only 8 months away, I can be a real good friend by then

[halcombrick]

lol sure redial, but the 7.99 is true, its at my local dollar general store, some people may not believe me but its true.

[redial]

On Oz ebay, there is an ad for SeaFoam at: 351329518148.

But just notice the price for postage of US$221.13 to Oz, on top of the price! Any wonder it is not popular here.

But there is a recipe for a DIY to achieve a similar result:

You can make it yourself.

Seafoam is made up of the following:-
50% Pale Oil (refrigerant mineral oil or 2 stroke oil will do)
30% Naptha (Zippo lighter fluid or camping stores)
20% Isopropyl Alcohol (Your favourite hardware store that still has people)

[ram11397]

LOL redial!!!
Actually my local walmart had it on sale for $7.99 last week picked up couple of cans

Rick.