While I was replacing the cam in my 2.8, I noticed that the valve stems (on the intake valves) had some gunk buildup on them. I'd like to get rid of the gunk, but don't want to pull the heads. Do you think spraying Seafoam in the intake (while the engine is running) will clean it off?

I know that Seafoam (and water) work for cleaning the combustion chambers, but am unsure about the valve stems.

seafoam will work on the intakes, but not exhaust.

Seafoam will decarbon the valves, you can also run some in the gas and a tiny bit (follow directions) in the oil. I really prefer Rislone in the oil crankcase, that really works well over the long term.

I'll third the Seafoam!

Supposedly Shell gasoline works really well. I always run shell fuel in my 4 cyl. Never tried the BP w/invigorate.

How about a PCV catch can, to keep it clean in the future?

At the dealership, we use a full line of BG products. Very good product, works great and can boost fuel economy if your rail or injectors are clogging up.

http://www.bgprod.com/products/fuelair.html

I have a box of 44k in my garage, and several cans of cf5.
We also use the GM top engine cleaner, good stuff as well.

I've done seafoam a couple of times in the intake while running ( used the vacuum port on the side of the plenum and a spare piece of hose to suck it out of the can )

I honestly never noticed a difference, but did smoke up the neighborhood pretty good.

EDIT: Oh, i do run a can in the tank on a regular basis.

[This message has been edited by User00013170 (edited 03-22-2009).]

tough to say - I too use Seafoam thru the intake. I use Techron in the fuel.
having actually pulled heads, and manually cleaned valves - I have a hard time imagining ANY additive could do anything.
but, I also cant create the heat which is present in a running engine.
and, being I see junk near the tailpipe after a seafoam session - I know it does something.

Techron

seafoam works the best after that I would say to keep them clean I use Zmax
and high octain gas. I have torn down race motors after using Zmax in them and this stuf works
the motors are clean.

quote Originally posted by whodeanie: seafoam works the best after that I would say to keep them clean I use Zmax and high octain gas. I have torn down race motors after using Zmax in them and this stuf works the motors are clean.

No offense but I wouldnt run Zmax in anything I own.

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2001/02/zmax1.shtm

quote Originally posted by pmbrunelle: How about a PCV catch can, to keep it clean in the future?

That's a good idea.

edit to add: There's a trail of dark brown residue starting at the PCV vacuum fitting and leading down the intake ports to the heads. So guess which vacuum port the cleaner is going into... hehe.

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 03-23-2009).]

quote Originally posted by User00013170: I've done seafoam a couple of times in the intake while running ( used the vacuum port on the side of the plenum and a spare piece of hose to suck it out of the can )

someone got a pic of this vacuum port, that i'm too stupid to figure out.

thanks...

GM Top Engine Cleaner!
It is worth its weight in gold.

Second choice is the seafoam.


BTW the smoke it spits out is all the carbon being burned out.

------------------
"DRIVE IT LIKE A FIERO"
'84 Fiero, engine to be determined
'87Blue GT 3.4L Swap Completed!!!!!!!! Boosted!!!!!!!
Las Vegas Fiero Club
Fiero Road Club Of Northern Nevada

[This message has been edited by sardonyx247 (edited 03-24-2009).]

any issues with seals and gaskets?

quote Originally posted by tayne: any issues with seals and gaskets?

Not that I have ever had, Top engine cleaner is the s**t
Just follow the directions on the can, suck up till about 1/3 of the can left then dump it all in to choke the engine so it stalls,or kill it if it doesnt.
Let it sit 15 mins, and then start it up. BTW make sure you are outside. It will blow thick smoke for a bit till it is all cleaned out. Probably best to change the oil after incase any seeps past the rings.

BTW just FYI, doing this will get rid of the "tick" in DSM motors

------------------
"DRIVE IT LIKE A FIERO"
'84 Fiero, engine to be determined
'87Blue GT 3.4L Swap Completed!!!!!!!! Boosted!!!!!!!
Las Vegas Fiero Club
Fiero Road Club Of Northern Nevada