seafoam in LS430
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,358
Likes: 87
From: Delaware
CL Community Team
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,916
Likes: 227
From: Alabama
Hey guys if you want to SeaFoam and you feel it works great, go right ahead. I have no problem with that at all. I was just pointing out that you can mix up your own can size "Seafoam" home brew treatment in about 5 minutes with approx 50 cents worth of the absolutely identical materials (readily available from Home Depot). The actual formula is by weight but this would easily be close enough - mix approximately 5 oz Mineral oil, 3.5 oz Naptha, and 1.5 oz rubbing alcohol - presto... a 10 oz 50 cent Seafoam treatment.
btw - The 128 oz size Seafoam lists for $69. That's a pretty cool markup they got going.
btw - The 128 oz size Seafoam lists for $69. That's a pretty cool markup they got going.
Last edited by Jabberwock; Nov 19, 2009 at 08:37 PM.
Hey guys if you want to SeaFoam and you feel it works great, go right ahead. I have no problem with that at all. I was just pointing out that you can mix up your own can size "Seafoam" home brew treatment in about 5 minutes with approx 50 cents worth of the absolutely identical materials (readily available from Home Depot). The actual formula is by weight but this would easily be close enough - mix approximately 5 oz Mineral oil, 3.5 oz Naptha, and 1.5 oz rubbing alcohol - presto... a 10 oz 50 cent Seafoam treatment.
btw - The 128 oz size Seafoam lists for $69. That's a pretty cool markup they got going.
btw - The 128 oz size Seafoam lists for $69. That's a pretty cool markup they got going.
after all, a can of seafoam is only about $5 (give or take a few bucks). not exactly draining my 401k (if I had one).
CL Community Team
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,916
Likes: 227
From: Alabama
I understand where you are going with the Dr Pepper comparison and it is a good point. There is a convenience factor involved. Dr Pepper may not be the best example because I don't have high fructose corn syrup, coloring, and phosphoric acid, or "a few other things" sitting around my house. And more importantly I do not have access to he formula for mixing of Dr Pepper. The ingredients formula for the Seafoam product is available. And I do have rubbing alcohol, mineral oil (we use it for treating wooden surfaces) and Naptha - (aka lighter fluid) sitting around my house. Seafoam sells for about $6.50 for 16 oz but again , good point for $6.50 a can there is time saving and convienience in just buying it ready made. I just wanted folks to realize what was in it - there are no "special secret ingredients or some space age complex formula".
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Tx
Dr. Pepper and all other Cola's get their flavor (aside from sweet) from a very specific mix of essential oils that you can't just get and mix properly without lab equipment. That is a red-herring.
What I use instead of SeaFoam is intake cleaner. Some state they are catalytic converter safe if you are worried. I spray about a third of the can on the throttle-body and use a toothbrush to remove the buildup around the edge of the butterfly valve if it doesn't come off with just spraying. I start the car and it cranks for a while before it will run without throttle added. Then I have a helper run the motor under 3k rpm while I spray the rest of the can directly into the throttle body. White smoke etc is involved, as is improved off-idle performance. This has made a significant difference each time I have done it (60k + miles on each vehicle).
I don't add things to my motor-oil but I do use MoPar Fuel-injector cleaner or Techron fuel additives. A friend was told in his ASE classes those are the only fuel additives that work well. I have had improved mileage and performance improvements as well.
What I use instead of SeaFoam is intake cleaner. Some state they are catalytic converter safe if you are worried. I spray about a third of the can on the throttle-body and use a toothbrush to remove the buildup around the edge of the butterfly valve if it doesn't come off with just spraying. I start the car and it cranks for a while before it will run without throttle added. Then I have a helper run the motor under 3k rpm while I spray the rest of the can directly into the throttle body. White smoke etc is involved, as is improved off-idle performance. This has made a significant difference each time I have done it (60k + miles on each vehicle).
I don't add things to my motor-oil but I do use MoPar Fuel-injector cleaner or Techron fuel additives. A friend was told in his ASE classes those are the only fuel additives that work well. I have had improved mileage and performance improvements as well.
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, Kentucky
I have changed the oil several times since Ive had it and the usual 3000 - 3500 miles had the dark brown used oil look to it. This time however the oil was black, I mean BLACK. As far as the temp gauge not a drop that would cause an eyepop but a general "running a tad bit cooler" of the engine in general. Im not trying to start a heated debate but I havent torn up my ride, (LOLOL) and I got a little better performance. call me crazy, lol.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 764
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma
I'm thinking about running some seafoam through my system. I just got over 150K miles and have noticed a pause in power around second gear when taking off from a light. It pauses slightly for a few seconds and then goes back to normal power. I thought it couldn't hurt to give it a try, snake oil or not.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
