Opinions about using Seafoam as a one time fuel system cleaner....

[Palm Bay Chuck]

I just took deliver of a boat that has gas that is a few months old. Not stale I'd guess, but not fresh either - kind of like me. Anyway, is using cleaning solutions such as Seafoam a bad idea on these Mercury's or on 2 strokes in general?

I suppose I could siphon all the gas out and burn it in my car and refill the tank with nice, fresh dino-juice.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Anytime you add anything to the fuel tank of a 2-stroke you affect the oil ratio entering the engine. Seafoam is probably the best as it has oils in it. But the general rule is, don't do it. Many do and never have an issue. But again, the lubrication for the engine comes from the fuel tank. Anything added to the tank lessons the oil unless there is oil specifically add at the correct ratio as well.


Repairing and selling iPads, iPhones and Mini iPads.

 

[LouDoo]

I would suggest using Marine Stabil.

Lou

 

[Palm Bay Chuck]

Thanks guys.

 

[Dr Honda]

Seafoam is "Snake oil". I've never actually seen it do anything, and the guys who think it actually work (in 2-strokes) wind up with melted engines, because they run on clogged fuel systems.

Oh... and since it's a solvent (to clean the injectors/carb) it will diminish the oil layer in the engine.

The only thing that goes into my 2-strokes is a good fuel stabilizer. (normally marine stay-bil) It will not save old fuel, but it will keep fuel from going bad.

Last year... I let a member here ride my XP, and it hadn't been used in a while... so the fuel was WELL over a year old. We were out all day, without a single issue, and burnt all that old fuel out.


If you think the fuel is bad (it's not going to be sour in only a few months) drain it, and burn it in your lawn mower. Otherwise, top it with fresh fuel... put in a dose of Stay-Bil... and go enjoy the boat.


If it was a "new to me" boat... I would simply sniff the fuel. Sour fuel will smell like varnish... good fuel will smell crisp. As long as it's not varnish... top it with fresh, and go. Heck... I'm in a snow state... and winter was LONG this year. I burnt fuel that was at least 6 months old on my first ride this summer.

 

[Palm Bay Chuck]

Thanks Doc. I noticed that proponents of Seafoam are kind of like religious zealots who preach its virtues. That should be a warning sign.

 

[mdchachi]

I don't follow the logic of sea-foam leading to clogged fuel lines & melted engines but I'm a newbie in all of this. I just bought my first boat and the guy who sold it to me was a big sea-foam proponent. That's basically the extent of what I know.

For what it's worth, here's an article about various additives used for anti-corrosion purposes. Sea Foam was rated highly for this purpose.
http://www.biobor.com/approvals/testing-and-performance/Practical-Sailor-Magazine-August-2012/