Synthetic vs Seafoam in older motors

revkab

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 14, 2007
Messages
40
I have a nicely tuned 1967 6hp Johnson that my mechanic recommended I increase the oil/gas ratio to 40:1 (as opposed to the standard 50:1) - basically a pint per five gallon can. In an earlier post, some of you backed up his thinking. I read with interest a post a couple of days ago where someone was asking about the carbon/smoke reducing benefits of going to a full synthetic TCW3 vs the "regular" stuff. I have also read posts in the past recommending using Seafoam as a regular additive to their fuel mix.

So I wonder, considering my little old motor, would there be an advantage to my going to a full synthetic? Or should I just keep using the Seafoam? The cost may not be too much of an issue since this little motor won't burn quite the quantity of gas the big bruisers do.

If the Seafoam is a good idea, how much would you recommend I use?

Thanks guys.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Synthetic vs Seafoam in older motors

seafoam keeps the carbon down, the carbs clean. synthetic does not keep the carbs clean. just less smoke.
 

Faztbullet

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
15,915
Re: Synthetic vs Seafoam in older motors

Also synthetic has very little, if any carbon build up. I have some duck hunters running the XD50 in their engines and swear by it. It has a carbon additive in it and they say it has little odor, little to no smoke and engines idle 10x better!!! Still need to run a additive once a month like Seafoam or Stabil to cleanse fuel system as Tasha said.
 

HighTrim

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
10,486
Re: Synthetic vs Seafoam in older motors

I swear by the XD-50. I realize it costs a little more, but the CarbX present in it is well worth it in my personal opinion. I also run BRP's Carbon Guard as well.

CarbonGuard.jpg
 

BigNiner19

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 1, 2006
Messages
234
Re: Synthetic vs Seafoam in older motors

I swear by the XD-50. I realize it costs a little more, but the CarbX present in it is well worth it in my personal opinion. I also run BRP's Carbon Guard as well.

View attachment 12507

Where do you guys usually purchase the gallon jugs of XD-50? I haven't ever seen it at any boating supply stores I've gone to. Is it a must to go to a local dealer to purchase?

What is the average cost? I believe Im going to start running it in my motor, since I've read now that it helps the idle and also smokes less (so they say)

Cory
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Synthetic vs Seafoam in older motors

Cabela's has it and I believe Bass Pro also carries it. Didn't see it here on iBoats.
 
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