Sea Foam

[tac27]

Does anyone have any experience, or opinion, about using the additive, Sea Foam, to the oil?

An indie here in Las Vegas recently replaced the AOS for me. When I returned to collect my car the mechanic expressed his concerns about the ticking lifter at start-up; he felt it continued longer than it should. Typically it last several minutes until the car reaches operating temp. He, and the shop co-owner, suggested that I add 'Sea Foam' to the oil to, "Clear out that stuck lifter." The Porsche dealer and another indie here in Vegas have both stated that the sound is nothing to worry about as it doesn't continue once the engine reaches operating temperature.

Tim.

Las Vegas.

Edited October 13, 2009 by tac27

[phillipj]

What the heck is "Sea Foam'? :huh:

Please disregard. I found it. I know it's not "Porsche approved" for whatever that is worth...

Edited October 13, 2009 by phillipj

[rockjock]

Funny this comes up-I know I'm new here-been reading for the last month-

I've used Sea Foam in my last 2 cars-a C55 AMG and an Evo X-I plan on using it on my 996 C4S as well when it gets back-new motor....lifter tick ended up with a hole in the cam cover and a new engine later (supposed to arrive today for install under CPO) I should be a happier camper.

I know mine is prob a fluk instance-but I'd try the SF-I've gone so far as to run a full bottle for 500 miles in the oil and change-or just half a bottle at 2k rpm in the Evo to "clean" just before a change (works great in the tank and the intake-you wont believe the carbon it burns out in the intake mani and exhaust!)

GL and keep us updated!

[cnavarro]

Lubro-moly makes a BMW-part number engine flush product that is put in a warm engine and run for 10 minutes, then the oil and filter is changed. VW has a similar BG product is used along with an external bypass filter, then the engine is run for something like an hour (TSB is available on the internet if you're curious). Honestly, I don't think either of these products will free up a stuck lifter from what I have been told - lifter replacement or rebuilding the lifters are the only ways to return the engine to proper (quiet, full-lift) operation.

[tac27]

What is it then that causes the temporary tip-tap start-up lifter noise? I've been told that it occurs because the oil drains from within the lifter and therefore taps until the lubricant refills the inside of the lifter. Is that a correct explanation? The 'Porsche Only' indie mechanic suggeting the application of Sea Foam believes that there must be something obstructing one of the tiny holes in the hydraulic lifter that allows the oil to flow . But then I question that if there is an obstruction how is it that the oil could flow out allowing a 'dry' lifter to tap for a period of time at star-up and then too, to 'refill' as the engine runs and warms thus silencing the lifter?

If it isn't common to every Porsche engine, what is it that some do drain while others don't? And even more curious, does it occur in the 997 series?

I'm also curious how frequently this condition later develops into something serious. I have one indie telling me 'danger Will Robinson' and user posts describing similiar circumstances that led to the replacement of an engine. Another indie and the dealer telling me don't worry, its a Porsche thing,; sentiments backed by other user post.

Either way, I'm still very much head over heels about this car; my only regret that I didn't purchase one sooner.

Tim

Las Vegas

[987_RDC]

Not to be a grave digger but Seafoam addeed to my oil solved a ticking sound I was hearing at idle on the 1,3.5 side. I knew shouldn't be there as I didn't hear the same on other bank. Added to oil and let it idle, then did a oil change.

[xmac]

Seafoam is something I would use in a used car that has been sitting for a long time, but in the fuel to get rid of water and and gunk in the fuel system. It will also clean carbon deposits but you have to inject it into the intake. I know you can put it in the oil, but it is not something I would do in my 996 - just my 2 cents.

Before you try a liquid repair, take a look at this link.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/41236-updated-chain-tensioner/