Seafoam

[mjwalcott]

What do the ACNA members think about seafoam. Someone told me that it would help with a random cylinder misfire code, im just afraid it might mess something up

[scottydl]

Seafoam is just an engine cleaner. Different from many others because of the way its inserted into the system, 3 possible ways (all covered in the directions) but the most unique is through the intake. It'll blow a lot of caked up carbon out of your system and should not mess anything up if used correctly. You ought to [/url=http://aurorah.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=1stgen&action=display&thread=2139]remove and clean your throttle body[/url] too, if you use Seafoam and want to further clear out the top end of your engine.

There's nothing magic about the stuff though, and it may or may not fix a misfire. Your more likely causes of persistent misfiring would be a problem with spark plugs, wires, or ignition coils. At 208k miles, you could certainly be due for new plugs and wires if you haven't replaced them lately.

[schlotzky]

Seafoam is great stuff. I've used it on at least 8 cars personally, and while I can't necessarily comment on real objective results, I can say that it notably reduced pinging in one of the cars, and gives nice peace of mind watching that filthy smoke pour out the exhaust. I wouldn't expect it to clear misfires, but it's possible I suppose. Like scotty said, it's more than likely a spark or fuel delivery issue, more commonly spark, and most commonly plugs or wires.

[kyngofpop]

I LOVE Seafoam, but the last time I used it in my Aurora she did NOT like it! I took it in thru the brake booster vacuum line and it spat it back in my face along with years of carbon buileup, was quite nasty lol. Maybe there's another line to bring it in thru? Otherwise I swear by the stuff...

[mjwalcott]

i was asking because i took my car to an inspection station, and he said someguy put some seafoam in his gas tank and ran the hell out of his car and it cleared the random cylinder misfire. my bet is the plugs, wires and coils though, any hints on changing the plugs and wires

[nelson480]

With 208k miles you probably just need new ignition wires.

[mjwalcott]

where can i find the link to changing the plugs and wire in the Auroras. Its going to be a pain to do so i already know i need to figure out how

[RCA1186]

The front half will take you 5 mins. The back is just a pain, but not super difficult, and the hardest part for me about it was getting to the back bolts on the coil pack. I ended up unbolting the plate that holds up the cruise control for the mere fact I needed more room for my hands.

But basically, you just need to remove the coil pack to get to the back ones, that's two 10mm bolts on each side and 2 10mm on the back side. After that just pull the plugs like you would the front. Just make sure to number the wires if they aren't already so you know which is which when you're plugging them in. A good paint marker on the boot of the wire that goes on the coil works well.

I'd recommend Delco plugs and wires too.

[schlotzky]

If seafoam cleared a misfire through the tank, the guy probably just had dirty injectors. I always do seafoam through the tank and intake, only twice through the oil as it could free up enough junk to clear the path for oil leaks to start.

But like rca said, plugs aren't bad on this car. My Camaro was a lot worse, these plugs are actually pretty accessible once you move the ICM out of the way. I personally just replace one plug and one wire at a time so I don't get mixed up with what goes where. Most of the time spent when I did mine was fighting my stupid spark plug socket that didn't want to let go of the plugs, and taking extra time to route the wires for the cleanest look.

[RCA1186]

Exactly same with me, the socket would keep getting stuck on the plugs, so I would put the plug in very loosely into the spark plug socket, thread it loosely and then use a regular socket to tighten them.

[scottydl]

Feb 8, 2012 8:29:33 GMT -6 mjwalcott said:

where can i find the link to changing the plugs and wire in the Auroras. Its going to be a pain to do so i already know i need to figure out how

It's listed in this thread, with many other maintenance procedures for 95-99:

aurorah.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=1stgen&action=display&thread=2262
(It's called "95 and other Spark Plug Replacement")

That thread is stickied near the top of the Classic Aurora subforum, and many of the other ACNA areas have similar collections of threads submitted by members.

[Randy T.]

To keep the plug socket from sticking put the boot silicone on the rubber part of the socket. First time took me a couple hours, now I can change the plugs in 30 minutes, easy. Cutting slots in the bottom 2 bolts of the coil pack helps for the next time.

I don't like sea foam. There are better products that are actually made for specifically targeting areas of your car. Having one product do so many things is a giant claim that is not possible, IMO. The smoke is not the carbon burning out of your car, it's the smoke from the chemicals. You can do the same thing with water to clean carbon, pour it as a slight trickle in your vacuum and the steam will break carbon free from your engine. Do some research on it if you plan to attempt it, I am stating this info from my own internal memory.

[aba1987]

keep the debate goin guys. I'm learning this stuff new lol

[RCA1186]

Randy, by slots in the bolts do you mean the bolt holes on the icm bracket? If so, that's genius!

[lanceslambos]

if i can do it one handed, you can do it. you want hints...here's one, don't get your wires crossed

[Randy T.]

Feb 8, 2012 22:10:18 GMT -6 RCA1186 said:

Randy, by slots in the bolts do you mean the bolt holes on the icm bracket? If so, that's genius!

Yes, just the lower 2. Not my idea at all, so I can't take credit. I learned it from the wonderful world of ACNA.

Feb 9, 2012 20:12:37 GMT -6 lanceslambos said:

if i can do it one handed, you can do it. you want hints...here's one, don't get your wires crossed

You said that right, Lance. I had 2 wires backwards when I put wires on recently. It sounded horrible, my motor was knocking and I thought I blew it up someway, somehow. Checked my wires and 2 were switched. I still can't believe the way it sounded because of that small mishap.

[tim1993]

so was another good type of cleaner that will clean the engine cause from what i was told the sea foam could add more hp and get you better fuel mileage and i heard that from a mechanic

[scottydl]

Oct 30, 2013 18:12:09 GMT -6 tim1993 said:

so was another good type of cleaner that will clean the engine cause from what i was told the sea foam could add more hp and get you better fuel mileage and i heard that from a mechanic

Your message is a bit hard to understand, but Seafoam (or any top-engine internal cleaner) could help your mileage and performance if you have a REALLY dirty engine. It's not a magical solution to anything (nor is any dump-in product), just a good cleaner.

[sall]

GM has a top end cleaner that they recommend. Not sure of the part number

Well a hasty search for GM Top End Cleaner on google resulted in:

www.amazon.com/Genuine-1052626-Engine-Injector-Cleaner/dp/B000QII698

[tim1993]

well i know they probably sell this at a GM dealership imma check tomorrow.

[scottydl]

It is sold just about anywhere... Advance Auto, Auto Zone, Walmart, Menard's, etc. Actually a dealership is where you might NOT find it, because they would rather sell your their top-engine cleaning service.

[sall]

He's talking about the GM top end cleaner not seafoam.