can seafoam cause problems on an old unmaintained car?
01-25-13, 11:17 AM
#1
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can seafoam cause problems on an old unmaintained car?
hey guys, so my girlfriends RX300 99 AWD is throwing a CEL about the gas line/cap, i know this is a common problem in several older cars, and is usually disregarded as a fluke sensor.
the car is 150k miles and was owned by a family that didnt seem to maintain the car well, its had several problems before including brakes seizing, cylinder misfire/bad springs, ac blower broke, etc.
so the last thing i want to do is give her car anything that could possibly damage it. that being said, would there be any risk in using seafoam solely in the gas tank, not doing the engine oil or vacuum lines, i dont want to risk doing that. but fuel additives dont touch as much stuff and should be ok, i know it will be good for the engine, what im worried about is if theres a deposit that it removes could that cause problems with anything? im a bit of a nervous nelly with her car because of all the maintenance that's been needed on it.
the car is 150k miles and was owned by a family that didnt seem to maintain the car well, its had several problems before including brakes seizing, cylinder misfire/bad springs, ac blower broke, etc.
so the last thing i want to do is give her car anything that could possibly damage it. that being said, would there be any risk in using seafoam solely in the gas tank, not doing the engine oil or vacuum lines, i dont want to risk doing that. but fuel additives dont touch as much stuff and should be ok, i know it will be good for the engine, what im worried about is if theres a deposit that it removes could that cause problems with anything? im a bit of a nervous nelly with her car because of all the maintenance that's been needed on it.
01-25-13, 11:39 AM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
What exactly are you trying to solve by running the Seafoam? It won't fix the CEL. What code are you getting?
Generally, I advise to stay away from snake oil, i.e additives.
Generally, I advise to stay away from snake oil, i.e additives.
01-25-13, 12:38 PM
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im just looking to clean it and maybe recover some mpg. i know it wont fix it, im worried the CEL problem could become worse with cleaning ie removign a deposit that was over a hole or something. i dont remember the code i know it was like fuel cap or fuel line vapor or something. ill try to get it to autozone to get the code again.
01-25-13, 03:12 PM
#4
It probably won't hurt to dump it in the gas tank with about 1/4 tank left and run it on the interstate. I would not run it through the vacuum hose, and would be hesitant about dumping some in the oil. But I, as well as many others, do not think Seafoam is snake oil. I have seen it work wonders on our boats and many others, and feel it has amazing effects on removing carbon buildup on all kinds of engines, as well as working wonders on car engines. Go ahead and dump it in the tank, and go ahead and change your fuel cap. That is what's more than likely causing the CEL. Report back please.
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