Looking to keep your engine running smoothly? Seafoam, available at Advance Auto Parts, is a trusted solution for car owners aiming to improve performance and extend vehicle life. This guide covers everything you need to know about Seafoam products—from benefits to application tips—making it easy for consumers to find the best solutions for their automotive needs.
Sea Foam Advance Auto Parts: Comparison Table
| Product Name | Application | Engine Type | Size/Quantity | Key Function | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Foam Motor Treatment (SF16) | Fuel & Oil Additive | Gas & Diesel | 16 oz | Cleans, lubricates, stabilizes fuel | $11.49 |
| Sea Foam High Mileage Motor Treatment (HM16) | Fuel & Oil Additive | Gasoline (75k+ miles) | 16 oz | Targets deposits, engine wear | $13.99 |
| Sea Foam Motor Treatment (SF-128) | Fuel & Oil Additive | Gas & Diesel | 1 Gallon | Cleans, lubricates, stabilizes fuel | $59.99 |
| Sea Foam Spray (SS14) | Upper Engine Cleaner | Gas & Diesel | 12 oz | Cleans intake, valves, combustion chambers | $16.49 |
| Sea Foam IC5 Fuel Injector Cleaner | Fuel Injector Cleaner | Gasoline | 5.25 oz | Cleans fuel injectors, quick use in tank | $6.99 |
| Sea Foam Marine PRO Fuel Treatment (MP20) | Fuel Additive | Marine Gas Engines | 20 oz | Restores power, stabilizes fuel, prevents wear | $18.29 |
| Sea Foam Deep Creep Penetrating Oil (DC14) | Lubricant | Multi-purpose | 12 oz | Frees rusted parts, lubricates, protects | $14.99 |
| Sea Foam Trans Tune (TT16) | Transmission Treatment | All | 16 oz | Cleans & stabilizes, restores shifts | $15.99 |
| Sea Foam Bugs-B-Gone (BBG4) | Cleaner, Concentrate | Multi-purpose | 1 Gallon | Removes bugs/road grime | $43.49 |
| Sea Foam Truck & SUV Motor Treatment (ST20) | Fuel & Oil Additive | Gas & Diesel | 20 oz | For larger engines, cleans & stabilizes | $13.99 |
Compatibility: Is Sea Foam Right for Your Vehicle?
Sea Foam products are designed for versatility:
– Engine Types: Suitable for both gasoline and diesel engines, including modern fuel-injected, direct-injected, carbureted, and even two-cycle engines.
– Vehicle Age: There’s a standard Motor Treatment for almost any vehicle, while the High Mileage version is specially formulated for engines with over 75,000 miles—targeting increased deposits and wear typical in older engines.
– Oil Types: Safe for use with all conventional and synthetic motor oils.
– Special Applications: Marine engines, large trucks/SUVs, and multi-purpose needs (like lubrication) are also covered by dedicated Sea Foam formulations.
How to Check Compatibility:
1. Refer to your owner’s manual and confirm your engine type and recommended treatments.
2. Choose High Mileage or specialized blends for specific needs (e.g., marine, high-mileage, or larger engines).
3. For concerns like fuel injector clogging, intake deposits, or general lubrication, select the targeted Sea Foam product for the job.
How Sea Foam Works: Functions and Benefits
What Does Sea Foam Do?
- Cleans Fuel and Oil Systems: Sea Foam Motor Treatment dissolves gum, varnish, and deposits from your engine’s fuel injectors, intake valves, carburetor passages, pistons, rings, and oil galleries.
- Stabilizes Fuel: Keeps gasoline and diesel stable for up to 2 years in storage, preventing fuel breakdown and starting problems.
- Lubricates Critical Components: Reduces wear and friction in the upper cylinder and fuel system, supporting smoother, quieter operation.
- Restores Power & Efficiency: Regular use helps restore lost engine power, improve fuel economy, and promote smoother starts.
- Targets Specific Issues: High Mileage version addresses increased oil burning and carbon buildup; Spray intake cleaner is ideal for direct injected engines or stuck intake valves; Marine PRO fights moisture and corrosion in boat engines.
Why Use Sea Foam?
- Maintenance: Keeps your engine cleaner, for longer life and better performance.
- Performance: Noticeable improvements in idle smoothness, throttle response, and fuel economy—especially in older vehicles and small engines.
- Simplicity: Easy-to-use formulas—just pour into your tank, crankcase, or use the spray in the intake as directed.
Common Benefits Reported by Users:
– Smoother idling and acceleration
– Easier starts (especially after storage)
– Reduced hesitation, rough running, and misfiring
– Lower emissions (through cleaner combustion)
Installation Tips: How to Use Sea Foam Products
For Motor Treatment (Fuel & Oil Additive)
In Fuel
- Add 1 ounce per gallon of fuel (standard cleaning/maintenance dose).
- Pour directly into the gas tank.
- For deeper cleaning, use up to 2 ounces per gallon occasionally.
In Oil
- Pour 1.5 ounces per quart of oil into the crankcase.
- Add before your next scheduled oil change (ideally 100-300 miles prior).
- Run the engine as normal and change oil at your regular interval.
For High Mileage Motor Treatment
- Same usage as above, but specially suited if your vehicle has over 75,000 miles.
- Helps reduce oil consumption and clear sticky deposits.
For Sea Foam Spray (Upper Engine & Intake Cleaner)
- With the engine running warm, spray directly into the throttle body while maintaining RPM.
- Allow the product to soak, then restart the engine and drive for 20–30 minutes.
- Great for cleaning intake valves in direct-injected engines.
For IC5 Injector Cleaner
- Pour entire bottle into a near-empty gas tank, then fill with up to 25 gallons of fuel.
- Useful between regular treatments for spot injector cleaning.
Penetrating Oil (Deep Creep)
- Spray directly onto rusted or stuck parts, let soak, then loosen as needed.
Transmission Additive (Trans Tune)
- Add to transmission or hydraulic system per label directions to help restore shifting and dissolve deposits.
General Safety Tips:
– Always use Sea Foam in a well-ventilated area.
– Wear gloves/eye protection for sprays or concentrated products.
– Do not exceed recommended amounts for your engine or oil type.
Maintenance Advice: Keeping Your Engine at Its Best
Routine Use Recommendations:
– Use Sea Foam fuel treatments every 3,000 miles or at every oil change for best results.
– For small engines, treat at the start and end of each season.
– Use Marine PRO or IC5 for seasonal or heavy-use engines requiring peak starting and efficiency.
Storage and Prevention:
– Treat stored vehicles and equipment (like ATVs, motorcycles, boats, snowblowers) to prevent stale fuel, gumming, and corrosion.
– Add Sea Foam just before storage, run the engine for several minutes to ensure full circulation.
When to Use More Often:
– If you experience rough idle, hesitation, hard starting, or decreased performance.
– After running poor quality, ethanol-blended, or contaminated fuels.
Signs that Sea Foam is Working:
– Smoother, quieter engine operation
– Reduced exhaust smoke after several miles
– Improved throttle response and acceleration
Best Practices for Choosing and Using Sea Foam Advance Auto Parts
- Match Product to Need: Use standard or High Mileage Motor Treatment based on your vehicle’s age and mileage.
- Consider Engine Size: Truck & SUV treatments deliver extra volume for large engines.
- Choose Specialty Formulas: Use Marine PRO for boats, Deep Creep for stuck or rusted components, and Spray for direct-injected or heavily carboned engines.
- Regular Use is Key: Consistency in application keeps deposits from forming and maintains peak efficiency.
- For Problem Solving: If troubleshooting idle problems, try both fuel and intake treatments for a comprehensive cleaning.
- Monitor Effects: Improvements may be subtle at first but accumulate with routine use.
- Consult Mechanic for Severe Issues: Sea Foam helps with maintenance but cannot repair mechanical or electrical failures.
Technical Comparison Table: Sea Foam Advance Auto Parts
| Product | Application Location | Compatible Engines | Key Action | Typical Frequency | Main Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Treatment (SF16) | Fuel/Oil (tank/crankcase) | Gasoline & Diesel | Cleans, lubricates | Every oil change | Petroleum blend |
| High Mileage (HM16) | Fuel/Oil (tank/crankcase) | Gas, 75k+ mi or older | Deposit removal, wear | Every oil change | Petroleum blend + enhanc. |
| Spray Intake Cleaner | Intake/Upper Engine | All, esp. DI engines | Intake deposit removal | Yearly | Petroleum distillate |
| IC5 Injector Cleaner | Fuel tank only | Gasoline | Injector cleaning | As needed | Synthetic detergents |
| Marine PRO | Fuel tank only | Marine gas engines | Fuel stabilizer, clean | At fill-up, storage | Special stabilizer blend |
| Deep Creep | Exterior/Lubrication | N/A (multi-purpose) | Lubrication, rust free | As needed | Penetrating oil formula |
| Trans Tune | Transmission/PS Fluid | All | Fluid cleaning | With fluid change | Petroleum base |
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Conclusion
Sea Foam products available through Advance Auto Parts are respected for their versatility, ease of use, and effectiveness in maintaining, cleaning, and protecting your vehicle’s engine and related systems. From everyday maintenance to reviving hard-to-start engines or cleaning vital components, there’s a Sea Foam formulation for almost every application. Regular use can help extend engine life, improve fuel economy, reduce emissions, and ensure your vehicle starts and runs smoothly year-round. Selecting the right Sea Foam product—matched to your engine’s needs, age, and usage—is the key to getting the best results.
FAQ
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What vehicles can use Sea Foam Motor Treatment?
Sea Foam Motor Treatment is safe for use in all cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats, lawnmowers, and powersports equipment with gasoline or diesel engines—whether fuel-injected, carbureted, turbocharged, or naturally aspirated. -
How do I use Sea Foam Motor Treatment in my engine oil?
Pour 1.5 ounces per quart of oil into the oil filler cap, ideally about 100-300 miles before your next oil change. Run the vehicle normally, then change the oil as usual. -
Is Sea Foam safe for modern cars (fuel injection, direct injection, turbo)?
Yes, Sea Foam is compatible with modern engine designs, including direct injection and turbocharged engines. For intake valve or combustion chamber cleaning in GDI engines, Sea Foam Spray is recommended. -
How often should I use Sea Foam Motor Treatment?
Add Sea Foam to your fuel every 3,000 miles or at oil change intervals. For vehicles used infrequently or stored seasonally, use before and after storage. -
Can Sea Foam fix a rough idle or engine hesitation?
Sea Foam helps resolve rough idle and hesitation caused by fuel or intake system deposits, stale fuel, or gumming. If symptoms persist after use, further diagnosis may be needed. -
Will Sea Foam harm my engine or void my warranty?
Properly used as directed, Sea Foam is petroleum-based and safe for engines. It should not void vehicle warranties, but always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for additive guidelines. -
What’s the difference between Motor Treatment and High Mileage versions?
High Mileage Motor Treatment is tailored for engines with over 75,000 miles. It includes extra detergents to target oil consumption, sludge, and stubborn deposits more common in older engines. -
How do I use Sea Foam Spray Upper Engine Cleaner?
Spray directly into the intake throttle body on a warm, running engine. Follow instructions for soak and run procedures. This product is specifically formulated for intake and combustion chamber cleaning. -
Can I use Sea Foam products in small engines (lawn mowers, chainsaws)?
Yes, Sea Foam is perfect for small engines. Add the recommended amount to the fuel tank at the start and end of each season for easier starts and longer equipment life. -
Does Sea Foam clean catalytic converters or oxygen sensors?
Sea Foam cleans deposits that can contribute to sensor or converter issues, but it cannot repair a mechanically damaged catalytic converter or sensor. Regular use helps prevent deposit-related problems.
By following these guidelines and choosing the right Sea Foam product for your application, you can maintain your vehicle’s performance, reliability, and longevity with confidence.