Stopped burning oil after Seafoam crankcase treatment

[R1150Rclean]

For up to 15k miles I was burning oil (got the bike at 5,600 k with only three oil changes over 5 years-it sat a lot). Had to add at least 1/2 qt in 3 k miles (Valvoline nonsyn 20-50). Checked oil level by getting bike hot, putting on side stand for 5-10 min. and then moving to center stand for 5 min. before reading level. ~250 miles before the last oil change I added the recommended amount of Seafoam to the "crankcase", oil turned dark right away but kept it in anyway. All I can figure is the treatment loosened a stuck piston ring(s). After 800 miles there is no significant loss of oil (just barely under halfway mark, started out at halfway mark). And after that treatment and regularly adding Seafoam to the gas the idle on the bike is now remarkably steady all the time including at start up (do use choke for 30-60 sec). Maybe the fact that it sat with old oil (in terms of time not miles) caused the oil to gum up the rings resulting in oil getting by them.

[Buckster]

I use Seafoam in the gas tank. I read on the bottle that you can add to the crankcase before an oil change. I never have tried it as I think of it as a "gas" additive. I guess it would work fine as they wouldn't recommend it on the can if it didn't work. I am glad to hear you had positive results!

[sjbmw]

I also only use Seafoam in the gas tank. What is the "recommended" amount to add to the oil?

[R1150Rclean]

I also only use Seafoam in the gas tank. What is the "recommended" amount to add to the oil?

About 1 oz/qt, is right on the can instructions. I am planning on doing it again at the end of the next oil change, but maybe only for 100 miles this time. Will repeat until I do not see the oil turn dark after addition of Seafoam.

[NoRRmad]

Careful there... I don't think Seafoam wants you to run the engine after adding it to the oil.

I read on the bottle that you can add to the crankcase before an oil change.

It might dissolve solids, and make a cleaner engine, but then I think you're supposed to add unadulterated oil.

[CycleRob]

Adding SeaFoam to the engine oil is just like the old ShadeTree mechanic's trick of adding a little Kerosene to the engine oil a few EASY miles before the oil change. It thins out the oil while adding a very useful solvent cleaning gum/varnish dissolving property. It is not meant for any brisk or sustained speedy riding as it will compromise the engine oil's friction reduction properties. You also risk quickly loosening up gritty deposits on a high mileage or a short trip engine that can score and damage pistons, cylinder walls and plain and/or ball bearings. Use caution, patience and moderation when you do it.

[R1150Rclean]

Careful there... I don't think Seafoam wants you to run the engine after adding it to the oil.

I read on the bottle that you can add to the crankcase before an oil change.

It might dissolve solids, and make a cleaner engine, but then I think you're supposed to add unadulterated oil.

Seafoam says that you can run the engine continuously with it in it for the duration of the oil cycle (3 k miles), so it can not affect the oil's ability to protect the engine. But I agree that if the engine has a lot of contaminants in it and the oil turns really dark you should remove it. But then if you have a good oil filter, it should filter out anything that could damage the engine. I figured it may take a while to get all the old deposits loose, that is why I let it run for ~250 miles with it in it.

[Beemeridian]

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[towerworker]

All ya'll really need to do is just change the antifreeze.

[R1150Rclean]

Also, if it is true that oil consumption diminished following the use of Seafoam, then the engine has been seriously neglected.

Well that is what I started with, the engine oil had been changed 3 times in 5+ years, with only 5,600 miles on it. I figure the old oil gunked up the rings, and Seafoam removed it. Look if the can says you can do it, then Seafoam has been tested to perform properly in the engine oil

[Beemeridian]

23

[R1150Rclean]

On the front of the can is says "use in oil" and "internal engine use only 2-cycle, 4-cycle, Diesels". Look on the back side under "when added to crankcase (oil)" for how it is supposed to be used in all oils including synthetic. This information is above the section "when added to gas or diesel fuel tanks"

Is anyone reading what is on the Seafoam can?

[Beemeridian]

22

[R1150Rclean]

The point I am making is; what is advertised on the can is not necessarily correct in all circumstances.

And what circumstances is it not correct in?

[Beemeridian]

21