Another SeaFoam Question....

In an effort to get some of the crap out of my carbs while I wait on a free weekend to actually dismantle and clean them, I've run SeaFoam through the tank a few times. I've noticed that it actually does make a difference in performance both during and after treatment. My question is this.....does SeaFoam act as an octane booster when it is mixed with gas? I have noticed a strong increase in performance while I'm actively running it through, but decreases slightly as I run a new tank of gas. It definitely helps performance overall, but is especially noticeable as it is burned with gas.

As I was noticing this marked increase in performance on my commute this morning, I started worrying that if it substantially increases the octane, it it will burn too hot and damage rings? Anyone know if this is something I should be concerned about? I've heard of people running aviation fuel in bikes, but not sure if they've been modified to do so. Anyway, I'm hoping that I don't have anything to worrry about.....any thoughts?

 

Octane - the higher the number the more it resists burning - or - rather the higher the tempature/preasure has to be before it ignites.

Hotter than lower octane? I'm not sure... I doubt it but that's a guess.

Seafoam as an octane boost? Again not sure, but I doubt it.

BTW Octane alone doesn't give you more power rather allows higher compression ratio's. As you increase preasure you increase the tempature... if you increase it to the flashpoint of the mixture it goes bang... even without a spark... preignition or pinging.

So - seafoam - not sure how the magical stuff works but it is beauty on the carbs. If you are noticing a big change between seafoam and not seafoam perhaps it's time to do a colourtune...

Again - I'm not up on the chemical composition... but if you can tell a difference then perhaps it shoudl be investigaed.

 

SeaFoam is a light petroleum distillate. I'm sure it burns well and does the miracle cleaning as evidenced by its long list of testimonials from those who have used it.

I'd guess, that along with its superb quality as a cleaning agent; it also adds additional energy to the fuel. That you are experiencing a power boost without pinging and overheating ... I'd also guess it makes the mixture a little more RICH.

Rich is good!
Lean is bad.

Look at the plugs. If the plugs are looking OK (Brown or Tan) ... I'd start adding some SeaFoam on weekends.

If the Plugs are looking a little bit too clean ... well, then ... maybe you should cut-back the dosage a little bit. Don't run it lean.

Lean is bad.

 

You've put my mind at ease that I'm not going to turn my machine into scrap metal! If anything, it sounds like I might be running lean without the SeaFoam. I will check the plugs and see what they look like. Of course the larger issue is that the carbs need a thorough cleaning and sync, and I plan on breaking down and ordering a colortune to dial it in. Since we recently moved, not many weekends have been free enough to really tear into the carbs since it's new territory for me. I've also been reluctant because the Maxim is my commuter, and need to make sure it's ready to go the next Monday morning. I think I'll have a chance weekend after next. I'll have my XJ CD and "the old school method" in front of me as my guiding light! Thanks, guys.