How to Use SeaFoam on Motorcycles
by Chris GillilandSeaFoam is a petroleum-based motor treatment that is used extensively by automotive enthusiasts, but can also be beneficial in maintaining or restoring a motorcycle. SeaFoam is added to your motorcycle's fuel supply, preventing the gasoline from breaking down over time, while cleaning the carburetors and lubricating the engine cylinders. Adding SeaFoam to the engine oil will prevent moisture buildup and remove engine sludge. Additionally, SeaFoam can be used as a soaking agent to clean carbon-coated parts. Very little technical knowledge is needed to apply SeaFoam to your motorcycle.
SeaFoam as a Fuel Treatment
Step 1
Open your motorcycle's fuel tank cap, using the ignition key or the cap release lever.
Step 2
Fill the fuel tank almost completely, using the grade of fuel required by your motorcycle. Refer to your motorcycle's owner's manual if you are uncertain what fuel grade is required.
Step 3
Add 1 oz. of SeaFoam for every gallon of gas in your motorcycle's fuel tank, then close the fuel tank cap.
Step 4
Ride your motorcycle as you would normally. Repeat the fuel treatment as desired at every fill-up.
SeaFoam as an Oil Treatment
Step 1
Unscrew the oil filler cap from your motorcycle's oil tank or engine crankcase.
Step 2
Pour 1 to 1.5 ozs. of SeaFoam into the oil tank or engine crankcase, using a funnel. Screw the oil filler cap into place.
Step 3
Ride your motorcycle as you would normally. Check the engine oil every 50 miles, looking specifically at the oil's condition. Change the oil and filter if the oil appears dirty, dark or cloudy. Repeat as desired.
SeaFoam as a Parts Cleaning Agent
Step 1
Fill a container large enough to hold your part with SeaFoam.
Step 2
Clean the part with a shop towel to remove loose debris from the part's surface.
Step 3
Soak the part in your container filled with SeaFoam for at least 24 hours, then remove the part and wipe dry with a shop towel. If the part is still coated with carbon deposits, soak the part in SeaFoam for another 24 hours.
References
Tips
- White smoke may be emitted from your motorcycle's exhaust while you are using SeaFoam as a fuel treatment. This is normal and will not harm your motorcycle.
- You may need two to three applications of SeaFoam to clean your motorcycle's engine and fuel systems, depending on the severity of the motorcycle's conditions.
Things You'll Need
- Gasoline
- Funnel
- Container
- Shop towel
Warnings
- SeaFoam is intended to remove light clogs and varnish from your motorcycle's carburetors and their fuel jets. Do not use SeaFoam as alternative to a complete carburetor cleaning.
Writer Bio
An avid motorcyclist, Chris Gilliland has immersed himself into the two-wheeled world while balancing work life and raising three daughters. When he is not managing the parts department of a local, multi-line motorcycle dealership, Gilliland can often be found riding, writing or working on his motorcycle blog, Wingman's Garage.
