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[North Star]

I'm planning on cleaning my throttle body/combustion chambers with some Seafoam. I thought I would just pour some through the throttle body until the bike stalls, then let it sit and start it up again, but the instructions on the bottle says to pour it through the vacuum line.

Not sure where the vacuum lines are- I suppose it's in the Service Manual, but if anyone has used Seafoam for this, which method did you use?

[Twolanerider]

I'm planning on cleaning my throttle body/combustion chambers with some Seafoam. I thought I would just pour some through the throttle body until the bike stalls, then let it sit and start it up again, but the instructions on the bottle says to pour it through the vacuum line.

Not sure where the vacuum lines are- I suppose it's in the Service Manual, but if anyone has used Seafoam for this, which method did you use?

You don't have an open accessible vacuum line.  You can mix it with the fuel though.  Just don't dump the can like it's instructions might suggest.  Much smaller gas tank so figure your ratios.

[North Star]

I've already put some in the tank as stabilizer, and plan on putting some in the tank every couple months, but I thought I'd do a more concentrated cleaning of the chambers by putting it directly through the intake. Seem to remember doing it on cars years ago with other fuel system cleaners, so I thought I could do the same here, unless it's not safe/recommended to do so.

[North Star]

Actually, this is from their website but is referring to cars and mentions putting it through the manifold vacuum line:


To clean carbon and varnish deposits from the tops of cylinders and the backs of intake valves, add 1 oz. Sea Foam to each gallon of fuel. Sea Foam will slowly re-liquefy the varnish and gum deposits that hold carbon together.

To remove carbon and varnish deposits more quickly, Sea Foam can be induced directly into the combustion chamber via the following method. With the engine warmed up and running, SLOWLY POUR 1/3 to ½ can of Sea Foam down the carburetor throat or into any main manifold vacuum line that DISTRIBUTES EVENLY TO ALL CYLINDERS. Note that some newer induction systems, like those found on Vortec and Subaru “H” style engines, do not have any vacuum line that distribute evenly. Consequently, this process should only be attempted by technicians with a comprehensive understanding of the engine’s induction system or use Sea Foam Spray through the throttle body (discribed in a different section of this web site).

Once the product has been applied, turn off the engine and allow the Sea Foam to heat soak for a minimum of 10 minutes. At this time, Sea Foam will dissolve the varnish deposits that hold carbon together. After allowing the Sea Foam to soak, restart the engine in a WELL VENTILATED AREA as exhaust will be extreme for a short time. Drive aggressively for 2 to 5 miles to allow all the atomized carbon to be safely expelled from the system. REPEAT SEA FOAM TREATMENT AS NECESSARY.

[North Star]

Btw, I put some in my engine oil as per their instructions last fall before I did my final oil change of 2011, and I swear my lifter ticking has gone away. Mind you, it was always intermittent, but I think I'm going to do this everytime before I change my oil.

Speaking of oil changes- has anyone used the Scavenger oil change system?

http://www.roguechopper.com/products/twin_cam_tourirng_kit_RC140.htm

[ob1]

I always add 3-4 oz to the oil 50 miles prior to changing it and believe it has helped. I also add 5 oz per tank once a month to clean up carbon build-up. never had any problems.

[Lever]

Btw, I put some in my engine oil as per their instructions last fall before I did my final oil change of 2011, and I swear my lifter ticking has gone away. Mind you, it was always intermittent, but I think I'm going to do this everytime before I change my oil.

Speaking of oil changes- has anyone used the Scavenger oil change system?

http://www.roguechopper.com/products/twin_cam_tourirng_kit_RC140.htm

my Indy  uses the Scavenger on my bike  when servicing it,
  i like it very well does what it's sosposed to, cost me a little  to have it done with the additional labor and parts
but I,m happy 

[GMR-PERFORMANCE]

We spray it into the intake once hot and the engine is idling. Pop the air cleaner off,.. Use a multi purpose spray bottle. Let it sit, fire it back up. Sea foam works extremely well.

[HD Street Performance]

Oh you betcha
Change your oil when done

[North Star]

We spray it into the intake once hot and the engine is idling. Pop the air cleaner off,.. Use a multi purpose spray bottle. Let it sit, fire it back up. Sea foam works extremely well.

So it is fine to put in through the intake as long as you use a spray bottle- great info, thanks a lot.

[North Star]

Oh you betcha
Change your oil when done

Change the oil after doing the spray bottle cleaning through the intake?

[AXIL]

   I use BG44K in the fuel tank two times a year. motor cycle is carbureted and truck is efi,what a differents it makes.

[S E Road King]

I do have a capped inlet on the top of my throttle body that is reserved for California related emissions equipment. And, I have read instructions (like minded forum) on how to create a tube, attache it to this inlet and utilize seafoam as a cleanser for the intake and top end.

[S E Road King]

Btw, I put some in my engine oil as per their instructions last fall before I did my final oil change of 2011, and I swear my lifter ticking has gone away. Mind you, it was always intermittent, but I think I'm going to do this everytime before I change my oil.

Speaking of oil changes- has anyone used the Scavenger oil change system?

http://www.roguechopper.com/products/twin_cam_tourirng_kit_RC140.htm

I use the early edition on mine and I am pleased with the intended result at oil service. However, toss the spring/rings and use safety wire on the clam shells.

[HD Street Performance]

The product does not burn and some dilute it with water. Some ends up in the oil.

[2harleys]

   I use BG44K in the fuel tank two times a year. motor cycle is carbureted and truck is efi,what a differents it makes.

x2

[2k]

Have a friend that rides a Goldwing and swears by Seafoam. I gonna try it now!!!

[Vagabond6542]

Have a friend that rides a Goldwing and swears by Seafoam. I gonna try it now!!!

I have both bikes, Gl1800 2001, and FLHTCUSE2 2007. Been using SeaFoam on both. Great stuff.  Suggestion, run it continually between oil changes, but with less applied. it will keep the oil passages clear.
Vagabond(George)

[Twolanerider]

I have both bikes, Gl1800 2001, and FLHTCUSE2 2007. Been using SeaFoam on both. Great stuff.  Suggestion, run it continually between oil changes, but with less applied. it will keep the oil passages clear.
Vagabond(George)

That's interesting George.  Though have to admit it's not something I do anymore.

Years ago when low detergent (relatively speaking) oils were the norm and some still used non-detergent it was a common thing.  I grew up adding a little at every oil change.  But as good synthetics came on line and additive packages got more exotic the only thing I knew I knew for sure was that I didn't know enough to know if it was still a good idea.  So now I let the oil packages do their work and add a bit of Seafoam to oil in the last tank of gas of before an oil change.  Add a little to the fuel at that same interval (if I remember).

[porthole]

Pulled the rocker box covers off and changed the breathers yesterday. Was surprised to see how clean everything was at 53K. Only use Mobil 1, no additives.

[Vagabond6542]

That's interesting George.  Though have to admit it's not something I do anymore.

Years ago when low detergent (relatively speaking) oils were the norm and some still used non-detergent it was a common thing.  I grew up adding a little at every oil change.  But as good synthetics came on line and additive packages got more exotic the only thing I knew I knew for sure was that I didn't know enough to know if it was still a good idea.  So now I let the oil packages do their work and add a bit of Seafoam to oil in the last tank of gas of before an oil change.  Add a little to the fuel at that same interval (if I remember).

I just found this to be the case with the new exotic synthetics. I have used Amsoil and the H-D synthetic. The oils will become accumulative in the really tight clearances. Such as the case for the GL1800, ran the oil with 4 oz. for a short time, and the 27k mile engine smooth right out. haven't bother to change the oil and filter yet.  On the FLHTCUSE2, the engine heat tolerance went higher before loosing oil pressure. Same procedure, 1oz/qt.  i wouldn't suggest something, unless I've been there and know there is an improvement.

[twinotter]

  I run an S & S T124 (carburated) in my Dyna (01). 126.2HP/ 133 T. Could someone verify the right Seafoam product, is it the BG44K I've seen mentioned. I like the idea of cleaning up the combustion chambers/ valve faces without a teardown!
My engine is quite sensitive to fuel/ alcohol %,and now its becoming all but impossible to get straight gas. It has the ITS system that senses knock, and will run different from hour to the next.
Maybe cleaning up the CC would help a little. Thanks for any responses!! twinotter

[Vagabond6542]

  I run an S & S T124 (carburated) in my Dyna (01). 126.2HP/ 133 T. Could someone verify the right Seafoam product, is it the BG44K I've seen mentioned. I like the idea of cleaning up the combustion chambers/ valve faces without a teardown!
My engine is quite sensitive to fuel/ alcohol %,and now its becoming all but impossible to get straight gas. It has the ITS system that senses knock, and will run different from hour to the next.
Maybe cleaning up the CC would help a little. Thanks for any responses!! twinotter

To answer the bold underlined question, SeaFoam is a Auto, Marine,and Fleet application product. It will do auto and diesels, and I might add motorcycles. it comes in white can with part number SF16. I hope this clarification helps. The product can be found at Pep Boys, Auto Zone, and Advance Auto stores. I don't know about Walmart.
Hope this was helpful.
Vagabond

[Twolanerider]

  I run an S & S T124 (carburated) in my Dyna (01). 126.2HP/ 133 T. Could someone verify the right Seafoam product, is it the BG44K I've seen mentioned. I like the idea of cleaning up the combustion chambers/ valve faces without a teardown!
My engine is quite sensitive to fuel/ alcohol %,and now its becoming all but impossible to get straight gas. It has the ITS system that senses knock, and will run different from hour to the next.
Maybe cleaning up the CC would help a little. Thanks for any responses!! twinotter

Separate products being discussed.  44k from BG is a competitive product.  Seafoam is both a vendor name and a generically applied product name for an additive that's been around for many many years. 

Seafoam also has other products.  An additive for automatic transmissions and others they've come out with the last few years.  The product discussed here is their old standard Seafoam Motor Treatment.  Comes in different sized bottles that will have different part numbers so pay attention to the name.  Will likely say "auto and marine" or "auto, marine and fleet."  Something like that....

Here you go, just found their website.  Their various other products are easily distinguished from the "Motor Treatment."  Take a look and you'll know exactly what you're after when you walk in to any auto parts store.

http://www.seafoamsales.com/

[grc]

  I run an S & S T124 (carburated) in my Dyna (01). 126.2HP/ 133 T. Could someone verify the right Seafoam product, is it the BG44K I've seen mentioned. I like the idea of cleaning up the combustion chambers/ valve faces without a teardown!
My engine is quite sensitive to fuel/ alcohol %,and now its becoming all but impossible to get straight gas. It has the ITS system that senses knock, and will run different from hour to the next.
Maybe cleaning up the CC would help a little. Thanks for any responses!! twinotter

BG44K is one of the gazzilion competitive "engine and fuel system cleaner" products on the market.  It's not SeaFoam, that's a different brand.  There are many others, like Techron or STP or whatever.  They are all basically petrochemical solvents that are supposed to soften and remove deposits.  Often ignored in the various sales pitches is the fact that all gasolines these days are required by law to contain a certain level of additives to keep the fuel system clean.  So it's not necessary to use additional products on a regular basis, unless you buy your gasoline from some fly by night no-name retailer.  If it makes someone feel better, I suppose running a can through the system once a year won't hurt anything other than their pocket book (some of this stuff is ridiculously expensive, like the BG products).  But for most people with a properly tuned engine, you might be very surprised at how clean the fuel system and engine stay without dumping in any additives.  Modern fuels and oils aren't the same as your grandpa's, and neither is the engine and fuel system of your vehicle.

http://www.bgprod.com/home.html


Jerry

[North Star]

  I run an S & S T124 (carburated) in my Dyna (01). 126.2HP/ 133 T. Could someone verify the right Seafoam product, is it the BG44K I've seen mentioned. I like the idea of cleaning up the combustion chambers/ valve faces without a teardown!
My engine is quite sensitive to fuel/ alcohol %,and now its becoming all but impossible to get straight gas. It has the ITS system that senses knock, and will run different from hour to the next.
Maybe cleaning up the CC would help a little. Thanks for any responses!! twinotter

Canadian Tire sells Sea Foam.

[North Star]

BG44K is one of the gazzilion competitive "engine and fuel system cleaner" products on the market.  It's not SeaFoam, that's a different brand.  There are many others, like Techron or STP or whatever.  They are all basically petrochemical solvents that are supposed to soften and remove deposits.  Often ignored in the various sales pitches is the fact that all gasolines these days are required by law to contain a certain level of additives to keep the fuel system clean.  So it's not necessary to use additional products on a regular basis, unless you buy your gasoline from some fly by night no-name retailer.  If it makes someone feel better, I suppose running a can through the system once a year won't hurt anything other than their pocket book (some of this stuff is ridiculously expensive, like the BG products).  But for most people with a properly tuned engine, you might be very surprised at how clean the fuel system and engine stay without dumping in any additives.  Modern fuels and oils aren't the same as your grandpa's, and neither is the engine and fuel system of your vehicle.
http://www.bgprod.com/home.html

Jerry

Maybe most normal engines won't have the need for cleaning additives when using quality fuel, but these 110's are known for excessive carbon build up in the chambers due to poor sealing piston rings. I get this from a HD indy mechanic here who does performance packages on the 110's, and said every one of the 12 teardowns he's done, all have had this issue. Most were low mileage bikes too.

So, in our case, I think a little extra maintenance will help things out. Like I mentioned before, I think I had a sticky lifter last year because I had the lifter ticking noise, but after I ran some Seafoam in the oil prior to an oil change then changed the oil, then noise was gone and never returned.

[twinotter]

Vagabond6542, Twolanerider, grc, North Star. Thanks a lot for the information on Sea Foam and the distinction between it and BG44K!!  I purchased a Sea Foam product a while ago to clean a generator carb that had sit for 7 yrs. I was rather amazed to see it actually disolve a 1/16th" layer of deposits wile I watched. I'm not sure if it is in fact the product you fellow are recommending, I'll check it out for a part number. Dropping a couple of ozs in the fuel tank can't hurt right! I have almost $11000 in my motor after all the hookups/ additions, I'd like it to last as long as possible. twinotter 

[CVOThunder]

We spray it into the intake once hot and the engine is idling. Pop the air cleaner off,.. Use a multi purpose spray bottle. Let it sit, fire it back up. Sea foam works extremely well.

Good idea. I was thinking of one of those small pump oil cans but a spray bottle would allow a finer mist. Also digging on the Scavenger gizmo. Will have to add one to my oil change kit or see if the shop has one if I take it in for service. Good tips to consider.

[dayne66]

I just purchased some Seafoam from Lordco.....two cans...one to pour and one that sprays.

[CVOThunder]

I just purchased some Seafoam from Lordco.....two cans...one to pour and one that sprays.

Hey that's the ticket, covers both cleaning options. Great find!