Additives in Oil? SeaFoam?

[Zethioth]

Is it true the GS hates oil additives? They interfere with the clutch plates?

Is this true for SeaFoam, if anyones tried?

[adidasguy]

I do not thing there is any need or reason to add Seafoam to the oil.
If oil is dirty, change it.

Why do you think you need to add it to the oil?
Gas - yes - for that ethanol crap in the gas and general crud if the bike sits a while.

[iclrag]

We really need to have a talk with these people harvesting innocent albeit occasionally smelly but still innocent sea foam, and they call themselves "green"!

on a more serious note, i dont think theres a reason to put it in the oil, the gas? maybe, but if you are having problems with the oil its cheaper and better to change it.

[GSF500]

I use it in both and seems to run better Try it and see if you notice a difference

[burning1]

If I recall correctly, sea-foam is a solvent. Probably not a good thing to have in your oil.

[badandy]

All these additives are more hype than anything.  The oil and gasoline formulations today are way better than when these "additives" hit the market.  As far as oil additives remember most all motorcycles have a wet clutch that can be compromised by additives and use of "energy saving" oil.  Use motorcycle formulated oil or my favorite Shell Rotella.  The only fuel additive I have used is a stabilizer for long term storage.  With the addition of ethanol the fuel doesn't seem to keep as long.

I would not put Seafoam in any engine oil.  It is primarily a solvent based product that will seriously reduce the qualities of the oil.  Seafoam is blend of light mineral oil, naphtha (primary ingredient in paint thinner) and isopropyl alcohol.  What do you think that will do to your engine?

[slipperymongoose]

Yeah I don't buy it additives in oil cooled wet clutches, put oil in, chuck the old shaZam! out, do the filter. Don't mess with what has worked for 24 years

[Zethioth]

Well, I threw some in my gas tank to stabilize the fuel, hopefully it will do as it says and clean the jets as well. I did notice that riding today my bike would no longer get stuck with a high idle.

[slipperymongoose]

Yeah I agree throwing a bit through the fuel system keep it ship shape

[DaMuffinMan]

From the official seafoam website

http://www.seafoamsales.com/how-to-use-sea-foam-motor-treatment.html

Quiet noisy lifters- hydraulic tensioners

To clean and quiet the valve train and hydraulic tensioners inside the engine add 1½ oz. Sea Foam to each quart of crankcase oil.  Sea Foam will slowly re-liquefy the old oil residue that builds up on lifters, hydraulic tensioners preventing them from functioning normally.  This process can be done as part of a pre service cleaning by adding the Sea Foam to the oil at least 30 to 100 miles before the next oil change interval.  OR it can be done as a preventative maintenance process without changing the oil.  You can leave Sea Foam in the oil indefinitely as long as the oil is clean.  The addition of a high-detergent oil like Sea Foam may cause the oil to become dirty faster than normal as buildup oil residue and contamination are cleaned.  Check the oil at regular intervals and when it gets dirty, change it.

Cleaning Engine Sludge From the Crank Case

To clean built-up oil residues and contamination from the crank case, add 1½ oz. Sea Foam to each quart of engine oil.  Sea Foam will slowly re-liquefy residues and suspend contaminants for easy removal. Monitor oil for color and clarity and  change oil and replace filter when oil looks dirty.

Doesn't say anything about the effect on wet clutches, i suggest you try to get a hold of someone at the company via email. I tell you one thing, clutch work aint fun. I'd do a valve adjustment anyday over that. If you do try it, please post back with your results.

[DaMuffinMan]

There's also MMO. Great for cages,  :dunno_black:about bikes though.

[Zethioth]

"Sea Foam is a petroleum based product and will blend with any engine oil even synthetics and will NOT affect your wet clutch in any way.

Jim Davis

Sea Foam Sales Co.

Technical Service Director

ASE Certified Automotive Technician"


He capitalized "not".

[Zethioth]

Why do you think you need to add it to the oil?

For its cleaning properties. Just trying to get a really good tune-up.

[GSF500]

I have been using sea foam in my GS every oil change and also use in in my gas with no problems yet I follow the directions and I have 11,000 miles.  My bike has been setting for awhile and I rejetted the carbs and rode it and it was a little rough. I put seafoam in it and rode it 100+ miles the other day and it runs better than ever.  Will seafoam kill my bike All I can say is it seems to work and I am going to keep using it. I also use seafoam in my ATV + lawn mower with no issues, they start up easy and run fine. I'm no expert but alot of friends use it with the same results and that's why I'm using it.  I would be interested if someone has  negative experience with it.