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Seafoam is used by most drivers to clean up their car engines; it is a fuel additive capable of removing dirt and sludge. While seafoam is not new to some drivers, it is entirely a new product to some others. But are there are seafoam negative effects?
Yes, there are a few disadvantages of seafoam you ought to know about, such as making engine oil thinner, damaging 02 sensor, reducing fuel economy, etc.
There are quite a lot of controversies about this product; some people say it causes many adverse effects on auto engines, while others insist that it works fine for the purpose.
Basically, seafoam – if applied cautiously – won’t damage your engine or cause any adverse reaction on the metallic components in the engine bay.
So, how do you use seafoam cautiously? This and more are what we discussed here!
What Does Seafoam Do To Car Engines?
The major work of seafoam is to clean up auto engines – to remove dirt and other containments that could hinder the performance of the engine. It works pretty well for this purpose and works for virtually all car models.
Actually, “Seafoam” is the name of a company – the company manufactures a variety of products for auto engines to make them last long and deliver their best possible performance.
But, even though seafoam engine cleaner does a good job, some users have alleged that it has a couple of negative effects.
Seafoam Negative Effects
Most of these negative effects of using seafoam were reported on older vehicles; regardless, they are still possible to occur in modern vehicles.
1. May Damage the O2 Sensor
Using seafoam for your engine can facilitate O2 sensor failure. Mostly, this happens when the O2 sensor is already failing; thus, the chemicals in the seafoam cleaner may cause the sensor to fail imminently.
A faulty O2 sensor (Oxygen sensor) can cause rough idling, and also cause your car to make louder noise as you drive.
2. Makes Your Engine Oil Thinner
One of the reported negative effects of Seafoam engine treatment products is thinning out motor oils.
If seafoam is not used properly used, it could thin out the motor oil you use for your engine. This is practically the commonest negative effect alledged by many users.
If seafoam thins out your engine oil, that is not a good situation as that could lead to costlier damages, so as a fatal engine failure or breakdown.
There are pretty many moving components of an engine, and it is the motor oil that helps them all move. So, when the oil is not sufficient, the engine is liable to malfunction.
3. Not Suitable for Most GDI Engines
Seafoam fuel additives and engine cleaning compounds are reportedly not suitable for some GDI engines.
This is because GDI engines require high-pressure cleaners to remove the containment in their injectors and fuel lines.
However, in response to this adverse effect, Seafoam has manufactured a specific engine cleaning compound for Gasoline Direct Injection (DGI) engines.
So, if your car runs with a GDI engine, you need to get the specific seafoam product for your car engine.
4. Reduce Fuel Economy
Some drivers have alleged that after using seafoam they noticed a decrease in their engine’s fuel economy.
This happens because too much seafoam inside the fuel tank can increase the fuel lines, or cause a sludge, which in turn affects how fuel is passed to your engine.
How To Add Seafoam To Your Engine
Mainly, what causes seafoam to hurt or cause damage to a component in your vehicle is due to improper application.
That said, what is the proper way to add/apply seafoam to your car’s engine?
Steps:
- Firstly, seafoam should be added no sooner than 2,000 – 30,00 miles. This interval is best and would help you navigate most of the negative effects mentioned above.
- Pour seafoam directly into your fuel tank; there’s actually no particular to put into your pour; however, you need to be calculative in doing that.
Note: It is not advisable to pour in seafoam with motor oil; it’d thin out the oil, and this is not good for your engine.
What More?
Seafoam has several benefits to offer your car engine. The negative effects as reported by few users don’t apply to all vehicles.
Always read the instructions in the spray can of your seafoam cleaning before applying.
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