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Does Sea-Foam hurt the engine?

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2018 9:55 am
by Stan1999
I added 2-3 ounces to 3/4 gallon of gas.

I had no problems just wanted to "keep it clean".

After 10 miles, it now bogs down.

49cc 2-stroke non-Honda motor.

I will drain the gas, but want to know what damage could have been done?

Re: Does Sea-Foam hurt the engine?

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2018 5:12 pm
by Wheelman-111
Greetings:

I don't believe it can hurt the engine, but some organic compounds in things like Fuel Line might be susceptible to breaking down. Also consider the little rubber-tipped float needle.

Re: Does Sea-Foam hurt the engine?

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2018 5:57 pm
by Stan1999
Thanks Wheelman!

Is the bogging down over 1/2 throttle likely a too rich/flooding situation?

Re: Does Sea-Foam hurt the engine?

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2018 6:27 pm
by Wheelman-111
Greetings:

As tempting as it is to infer cause-and effect, is it just possible the engine malfunction doesn't have anything to do with the addition of the Sea Foam? Random malfunctions do occur.

That said, I recently found my (cheap Chinese) fuel line to feel a bit "mushy" and had to replace it. I had added a little Sea Foam to my gas as well, though not as much as 2-3 ounces, a couple of weeks before. The stuff contains a solvent, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, which can dissolve organic compounds. That's how it works to reduce fuel resin as the volatile compounds evaporate, I suppose. Since it's a potent organic solvent, it would be interesting to experiment with a length of fuel line soaked in the stuff, using a cup of untainted gasoline as a control.

If the engine had been running fine before AND you didn't make any other changes I'd start as suggested above with dumping the fuel and replacing the fuel line on yours too. If the problem persists, I'd remove and check the carb for sludge, and maybe replace the float needle.

Re: Does Sea-Foam hurt the engine?

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 11:52 am
by Stan1999
Great info Wheelman! Thank you!

I will report back!