Thoughts on using seafoam
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Thoughts on using seafoam
Somewhat new car owner here. Two years ago I bought a 2006 s40 with 85k miles with relatively few problems. A while ago I got a check engine light/P0026 code for my vvt solenoid that went away with an oil change. I wouldn’t mind replacing the solenoid but I’ve also read that the vvt gear might need replaced too, which is a little inconvenient for me to do right now.
I’m thinking about just cleaning the vvt solenoid and using seafoam to clear out some buildup for now. But I see a lot of conflicting information and opinions on using seafoam. Plus I'm unsure about where to use it- do I add it to the oil or somewhere else? Any thoughts are appreciated.
I’m thinking about just cleaning the vvt solenoid and using seafoam to clear out some buildup for now. But I see a lot of conflicting information and opinions on using seafoam. Plus I'm unsure about where to use it- do I add it to the oil or somewhere else? Any thoughts are appreciated.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2020
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From: GA
Volvo does not recommend the use of any oil additives.
Seafoam is good - it transfers money from your wallet to someone elses. Save your money. Change your oil at reasonable intervals with quality synthetic oil. The cleaning additives IN THE OIL will keep your engine clean.
Use a compatible scan tool to DIAGNOSE (not just pull a code and replace a part) the VVT system before replacing anything. If you are curious perhaps simply remove the solenoids and check for unusual build up. There's little chance of a DIY screw up doing that procedure. Have new orings on hand to use. Use a spray carb cleaner product to clean things up. What does the underside of the oil cap look like? Clean or coated in chunks of stuff?
Seafoam is good - it transfers money from your wallet to someone elses. Save your money. Change your oil at reasonable intervals with quality synthetic oil. The cleaning additives IN THE OIL will keep your engine clean.
Use a compatible scan tool to DIAGNOSE (not just pull a code and replace a part) the VVT system before replacing anything. If you are curious perhaps simply remove the solenoids and check for unusual build up. There's little chance of a DIY screw up doing that procedure. Have new orings on hand to use. Use a spray carb cleaner product to clean things up. What does the underside of the oil cap look like? Clean or coated in chunks of stuff?
Last edited by hoonk; Aug 31, 2022 at 09:14 AM.
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Joined: Feb 2022
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From: CT, USA
the solenoids are fairly easy to clean yourself. whether you want to just remove and clean or disassemble and clean is up to you. There are some videos on youtube on how to do it. Make sure to replace the gasket
I completely disassembled mine in the past and cleaned with an ultra sonic cleaner and a simple green mixture. new O-rings and gasket and I was good to go.
I completely disassembled mine in the past and cleaned with an ultra sonic cleaner and a simple green mixture. new O-rings and gasket and I was good to go.
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Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Mesa, AZ
If the error cleared with an oil change, I'd just do a couple "quick" (3,000 mile?) oil changes using quality synthetic oil, and forget about the problem unless it comes back (in which case, you can remove, clean and reinstall the VVT solenoid). I agree that using a very light solvent additive like Seafoam in your crankcase is "questionable".
I can see scenarios where it might make sense, but I'd run the engine for only long enough to clear the issue, then do a couple VERY quick (50 mile) oil changes using cheap dinosaur oil, followed by another with synthetic.
I can see scenarios where it might make sense, but I'd run the engine for only long enough to clear the issue, then do a couple VERY quick (50 mile) oil changes using cheap dinosaur oil, followed by another with synthetic.
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