Andrew805

Wanted to try to clean out my 12a a bit and I am trying to choose between seafoam or the ATF treatment. Any opinions or advise? Thanks.

vipernicus42

iTrader: (4)

If it's not seized, don't use ATF on it. ATF has been known to make rubber seals (such as your oil control rings) swell up, and is only really recommended as a "last resort before I tear this sucker down and rebuild" to get it unsiezed.

Jon

rearviewmirror

Search? There's a 2+ page thread on the main page that's active right now. I wouldn't ATF over Seafoam, but that might just be me. Again, search and read the faq.

GO SOX!!!

How long does ATF take to swell up the oil control rings? I used MMO a few times with great results!

projecktecks

Seafoam!

Kentetsu

ATF? Step out of the 80s man!

1 can Seafoam into 1/8 - 1/4 tank of gas, then go for a drive (or don't, doesn't really matter). After a few miles, enjoy the rush of power...

My theory on this: the older the motor, the faster you'll build up carbon. So, on older motors you will see a more significant improvement, and will want to use it more often. On my 213,000 mile motor I used it monthly and always saw a big improvement. Seafoam rocks.

Disclaimer: the term "Seafoam Rocks" applies only to those cases where said product was used in strict accordance with the aformentioned directions. "Seafoam Rocks" is not intended to state or imply a gaurantee of any sort. Do not drink Seafoam, as it tastes terrible... Remember; Seafoam is good for your car, not so good for your body...

openshot

so seafoam can make a 12a run better?

GO SOX!!!

It cleans your internals, it removes carbon build-up and frees up your seals and springs. I used it on my tired 12a and it was running like a top. Check the 1st gen Archives for more info.

Kentetsu

Yes, it does exactly that. Better movement of the apex seals once the carbon is gone results in higher compression and more zip.

81gen1

i will be seafoming my 260k mile 12A no rebuilds or anything.

i will dyno before and after.

Kentetsu

Now that is freaking sweet! I wish I had been able to do that with my motor (213,000 miles). But I'd run some through the tank before each race, and it felt like I'd rebuilt the motor each time.

81gen1

i have not used seafome on it yet. or any of my engines. and i know it is low on compression. i can turn it over with 3 fingers on the alternator pulley.

Cowboyfun

another thing you can do if you don't want to go to seafoam yet is use the water mist method. Spray bottle, with the nozzle on the mist setting have someone rev the car to 5-6K and start spraying over the carb, the engine will bog but because you're introducing so little water it turns to steam and basically steam cleans your engine. Check the FAQ mate, its in there, theres A LOT in there on this topic, I recommend you check it out.

SIMPLESOUND

I have used the water treatment also with great success! Most definetly the least inexpensive route to take.Usually the cats will turn bright red when you do this treatment.I use about a two liter bottle of water over about 5-10 minutes then drive on the freeway to cool them down.Big difference in power too!

Vashner

Seafoam is designed to do it. ATF is a hydraulic fluid.