Sold on Seafoam

[etpm]

My Stihl chainsaw started having trouble idling. Then it wouldn't idle at all. And it would be hard to start when the engine died if I let the RPM drop. If I let the saw sit for 10 or 15 minutes it would start fairly easily again but I would need to get the RPM up right away or it would die. I was gonna take the carb off and clean it out but instead decided to try using some Seafoam first to see if it would solve the problem. I poured a little into the gas tank and shook it up. The saw was cold and started right up as usual. Then it started to die as usual so I got on the throttle and ran the saw at a higher RPM so it wouldn't die. After about 30 seconds I released the throttle and the saw idled fine. The next day I used the saw and not only does it idle fine it revs higher and starts on the first pull, which it used to do but hadn't for a while. Now I need to put some Seafoam in the gas can too. I really didn't expect the stuff to work and especially didn't expect it to work so quickly. The stuff is really impressive.
Eric

 

[5030]

it is and it isn't. I use it as an intake cleaner on my cars and gas trucks, post MAF sensor. Cleans them right out. I'd be l leery about in a saw because you could upset the oil to gas ratio. Not much fuel in the tank. and any good oil like Stihl will have stabilizer in it anyway.

 

[Roadworthy]

I could see it replacing part of the gas in a two stroke mix but not poured into the tank. I've used it in a couple four stroke engines with good results. If I can get an engine to start so it can pull some of the Sea Foam I can then kill the engine and let it sit overnight. It may be fine the next day or I may need to make two or three start up shut down cycles over the next couple of days but it does seem to restore performance.

 

[5030]

At 50-1, any leaning out of the mixture can and will cause ring and piston issues. 50-1 is the ragged edge of destruction. I'm always very careful when I mix up a jug. I use a quart measuring tumbler and carefully mix by adding the 2 stroke oil ahead of time and shake well.

 

[Supraman0614]

If you're using Stihl 50:1 premix oil, then 50:1 is the limit. I run my Stihl saws at 75:1 with Amsoil 2-stroke oil, and have never had a lubrication issue after many hundreds of hours. I agree though that there should be the proper mix of gas/Sea Foam/Stabilizer/Whatever to oil so you don't run lean.

 

[Oaktree]

At 50-1, any leaning out of the mixture can and will cause ring and piston issues. 50-1 is the ragged edge of destruction. I'm always very careful when I mix up a jug. I use a quart measuring tumbler and carefully mix by adding the 2 stroke oil ahead of time and shake well.

Small engine mechanic told me the same thing when I bought my current saw. He suggested mixing 40:1 instead, which is what I've been doing ever since. No issues.

 

[RalphVa]

Sea Foam has saved me from several carburetor removals and tear downs. Now using it in the Isuzu generator driver's tank. Fuel the tractor from that tank, too.

 

[etpm]

I could see it replacing part of the gas in a two stroke mix but not poured into the tank. I've used it in a couple four stroke engines with good results. If I can get an engine to start so it can pull some of the Sea Foam I can then kill the engine and let it sit overnight. It may be fine the next day or I may need to make two or three start up shut down cycles over the next couple of days but it does seem to restore performance.

Yeah, I thought about that. I poured in a capful and so wasn't worried. I used 4 tankfulls of gas today. Just got in from sawing up some of the 24 trees that blew down about a month ago. Saw performed great. Which is good because there are at least 6 more trees to go.
Eric

 

[5030]

If I have a jug issue. it usually goes in the heated ultrasonic cleaner with Chen Tool in it anyways.

 

[jyoutz]

Small engine mechanic told me the same thing when I bought my current saw. He suggested mixing 40:1 instead, which is what I've been doing ever since. No issues.

I do that too. A little extra oil isn’t going to hurt a 2 stroke motor.

 

[Z71]

Using too rich an oil mix will lead to engine deposits and shorter engine life.

 

[dodge man]

I have had luck with Seafoam. I look at it as a last resort before taking a carb apart. 50 to 1 is the ratio. I either use the little bottles that make a gallon or carefully measure it out. I don’t think a small amount of Seafoam is going to mess that up.

 

[mx1alex]

Maybe it's already been mentioned above but using ethanol free fuel will help as well. It's harder to find, but much easier on carbureted engines and reduces the need for things like Seafoam.

 

[etpm]

Maybe it's already been mentioned above but using ethanol free fuel will help as well. It's harder to find, but much easier on carbureted engines and reduces the need for things like Seafoam.

That's all I use in my small engines and backhoe. Since I started using the ethanol free stuff I have way fewer fuel related problems in my small engines. In fact, the only problem I have had in years is the Stihl chainsaw. I was surprised it started having trouble idling. I wonder if the problem was from using some store brand 2-stroke oil. I always use the good stuff but I used some of my son's gas mix and I suspect he used the cheapest stuff he could find because he is even cheaper than me.
Eric

 

[5030]

Seafom is basically Stoddard solvent and mineral spirts and it is a good solvent., but a tad over priced.

 

[etpm]

Seafom is basically Stoddard solvent and mineral spirts and it is a good solvent., but a tad over priced.

It must be more than Stoddard solvent and mineral spirits because of its high viscosity. It is kind of expensive but for how fast it worked in my saw and how much trouble it saved me it was worth it to me. In any case I am very happy with it.
Eric

 

[cqaigy2]

I've used ethanoled gas in my chainsaw since it became available, never had a problem with it in the saw. I live in a very humid marine climate that doesn't get very cold in the winter, so that might affect how the gas acts in the saw.

 

[Oaktree]

I've used ethanoled gas in my chainsaw since it became available, never had a problem with it in the saw. I live in a very humid marine climate that doesn't get very cold in the winter, so that might affect how the gas acts in the saw.

I'll use non-E gas for mix when I have it, but if I don't no big deal. I have a couple things that seem to run better on non-E but most equipment doesn't seem to care.

 

[Wolfy]

Ive used Seafoam, but have equal luck using ATF in the gasoline. It must be Mercon/Dexron III as it has a gritty texture.

 

[bmg88201]

I put Seafoam in my mower when I put it to bed for the winter. I fill the tank plum to the top with non ethanol 93 octane and mix in some Sea-foam. High octane non ethanol is everywhere around me due to being close to a large lake and two rivers. Most folks run non ethanol in their boat motors so most of the stations sell 91 or 93 non ethanol plus that is all is use in my 2 stroke engines. I also dump in a can of Seafoam in my suv about every 6 months.