Seafoam

Beefer

Beefer

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 4, 2008
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1,737
So my old '59 Johnny needs a carb cleaning (doesn't idle), so the low speed needles are probably dirty/gunked up. In an effort to possibly help, I added a full can of Seafoam to about 3 gals+/-, and went fishing after work. I can actually get really close to idle and hold it there without stalling, which is good. However... I lost lots of top end. Couldn't get on plane, and was maybe running 6mph. Over the weekend, without the Seafoam, I was cruising at 21mph all day. Was the high ratio of Seafoam to fuel causing the power loss? Nothing else has changed that I'm aware of. I have about 1.5gals left, will filling it and diluting the mix help?
 
90stingray

90stingray

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Oct 26, 2010
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1,162
Re: Seafoam

It probably loosened up some crud that plugged up another port. Do yourself the favor and do it right. You will be happier in the end and will have wasted less time.
 
Ciera2450

Ciera2450

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Apr 8, 2011
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1,049
Re: Seafoam

I'm no expert but i've had a similar issue before and the main jet in the carb was clogged with gunk. I took the carb off, removed the float bowl and cleaned the carb thoroughly with carb cleaner, then blew out all the passages with air. It fixed the issue.

Maybe the seafoam loosened up some gunk and it got clogged in the jet?
 
Beefer

Beefer

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Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
1,737
Re: Seafoam

:facepalm: I didn't even think of that.

I fully intend to do the carb the right way, I was just antsy to fish today. Of course I got skunked, but I was out on the water, which is really all that matters.
 
5150abf

5150abf

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 12, 2007
Messages
5,808
Re: Seafoam

Ya, all that Sea foam could have easily broken something loose and with the main on the bottom of the float bowl it is the first thing to clog.

Get an inline filter in after your carb fix and you shouldn't have any problem, i have run a cheapo auto parts store fuel filter for 2-3 years and not had a single issue with carbs.
 
M

Maclin

Admiral
Joined
May 27, 2007
Messages
6,761
Re: Seafoam

If it did clog the main jet(s) then your engine is running lean and you can end up with burnt pistons or worse if you keep running it that way :eek:
 
R

robert graham

Admiral
Joined
Apr 16, 2009
Messages
6,908
Re: Seafoam

After you get the fuel system and carb clean and running right, buy a Walmart/Arttwood Fuel/Water Separator($27), install back on your transom, help eliminate water/debris contaminated fuel problems. That and just a bit of Stabil or Seafoam in each tank of gas will really help keep your motor running good...and you can fish more!;)
 
R

ricohman

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 30, 2011
Messages
1,631
Re: Seafoam

90stingray said:
It probably loosened up some crud that plugged up another port. Do yourself the favor and do it right. You will be happier in the end and will have wasted less time.
Click to expand...

I agree. Additives are not going to clean the carb. It needs to be removed and cleaned properly.
 
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