Modern Vespa

I have several yard machines (chipper, blower, weedwhacker) and a small 25 yo Honda tractor that I use regularly. I just had one serviced at a biz that sells machines and services small engines. The tech told me that 85% of all their work is carburetor related. It reminded me that I should dig into seafoam as an additive for my machines since so many MV members rave about it.

So my question is how often do you use it? How do you know its working. I'm looking to maintain performance, not increase it.

TIA
Miguel

Thanks for the question Miguel. I am buying some this weekend after the gas issues with my Bea.

Miguel, you don't have to use it too often. I use a similar product once a year and it really does clean the injector and fuel system very well. No need to put it in every tankful or even every month. Just the once a year should be enough even if you do high mileage. If your injector is crudded up then you'll know Seafoam is working as the bike may misfire or run slightly rough after dosing the tank for the first time as the carbon is dissolved off the vital bits inside and as the fuel lines are cleaned. It does no harm. Only good. Stick to the recommended dose, although dosing a little too much won't hurt.

Aside from bad gas, I use at season's end for all my gas powered equipment.

My feeling is the smaller the motor the better the chance of clogged (carb) jets; and the harder to clean.

I pretty much agree with Strom. I'll use it in the first tank of gas of the season, especially if I've had a hard time starting the motor (snow thrower and mower as well as scooters). If I have a motor that seems to be running rough, I'll try a dose of Seafoam first (easiest and cheapest fix). Sometimes it helps -- but it isn't a cure-all. Often, there's another problem (a new spark plug often helps too (the next easiest and cheapest fix). Nor do I use Seafoam regularly as a preventative. As long as the gas is good and the motor is running well I don't think Seafoam adds anything. 8)

Never because i use ethanol free gas in the LX. Fortunate enough to have places in different parts of the island. It's been years since i've put ethanol gas in the LX but even then i never used it. I will add that i've been away off island for 3 months at a time. I just disconnect the battery and go.

Never, yet.

Since going ethanol free in my lawn mower and chain saw I've avoided that semi-annual carb rebuild problem.

Have yet to use any additives at all in the Vespa this first, 4,000 mile long, season. ...our local ethanol free stuff isn't high test, tho, so there is ethanol in the Vespa gas....

So, dunno what I'll do this winter -- we've had enough of the CA drought winter weather up here that I could probably do at least a wee bit of riding every month (especially since now I can't walk to work), and, fwiw, in the past I've let my truck sit idle most of winter without doing any special prep, and that's never caused a problem.

I tend to fillup every week or every other week yet I still splash a bit of Seafoam to every tank. I have no evidence that it does anything more than add to the cost of my fuel consumption, but I can say my spark plugs always have a nice tan color and when I look in to the cylinder the carbon buildup is minimal.

I use a splash in every tankful on everything I have. Some things like my generator sit with the same gas for more than two to three years . And my lawn mower also sits idle for many weeks at a time .

Haven't had a problem with any gas burning vehicles or tools. Zero problems!

WOW! Thanks for so many positive replies.

I got it.

I'm more i the camp that a little everyday helps more than more every so often. So I'm likely to practice a little every fill up.

Cheers
Miguel

This is the most sexy comment I have seen today.

Strong females turn me on.

If anyone gives me a down for that I'll give you my # and we can talk it out.

Sensitive people make me laugh, and I am the most sensitive person you could know.

Poor form forum.

I use it when I put away my bike for the winter, but have really no idea if/how it works. <shrug>

A splash of Seafoam after-shave drives the women wild.

Seafoam will do everything you imagine it will.

TDRAKE you won't need it if you use the ethanol free gas. Doubt you'd go more than 3 months (like i did) without riding it. Just disconnect the battery and you'll be fine. TROTTER Don't know why you got a neg for that comment. Anytime my friend. Just pm me and i'll give you the number.

Finally got some time to reply properly.

Stromrider: Thanks for the advice. Based on you other posts, its clear you are quite knowledgable and I appreciate you taking the time to reply

Harvey: Thanks for the tip that smaller engines may be more susceptible to problems from build-up because of the smaller parts and passageways through the fuel system.

judy and tdrake: Unfortunately, the nearest ethanol-free gas is more than 100 miles away. I can buy it at the small engine repair place I referred to but they want $32/gal. I'm not going there! I do use it in the blower and weedwhacker because its already mixed with 2-stroke oil and gas stabilizer. The owner highly recommended it and says I'll have no problems (and I haven't in the two years I've been using it).

JKJ-FZ6: Fortunately, I live along the central coast of CA and I can ride all year long so the fuel doesn't sit in the tank too long. So there's really no start or end of riding season for us.

Trotter: I've never heard anyone say gasoline or additives were sexy. Hope you find the gasoline of your dreams.

@others: Thanks for the helpful replies.

One experience I've had over the last 10 years with additives is good results with gas stabilizer. I have a pressure washer I use only once or twice a year. When I bought it, the seller highly recommended stabilizer. I use it religiously. It has never failed to start on just a few pulls. Now when I fill up my 2 gallon gas can, I put in an ounce.

Cheers.
Miguel

M $32 I thought Hawaii was expensive. Not. We have lots of Marina's and boaters like the ethanol free. Were lucky. It's about 10 cents more a gallon but worth it.

This comes in 1/4 cans and really sold for small 2-stroke machines. Not really targeting motor vehicles. But I will try the boating stores and the yacht harbor to see if its available. Thanks for the tip!

Best
Miguel

...all this talk about fuel stabilizers and seafoam...

In England, we just put petrol in and ride. End of. Is the gas that bad stateside?

(Sorry, this comment isn't sexy... )

Its not to improve the gas but to keep the internals of the fuel system clean of buildup. As I mentioned in my opening post, a local small engine mechanic told me that 85% of all the problems they fix are fuel system oriented, mostly carburetors, hence my interest in trying to maintain the machines I've got in running order.

Cheers
Miguel

I've used it in my carbed 125 LX. Didn't notice any difference at all.
Maybe it's a seafoam myth!

My purpose is to minimize potential problems by keeping the fuel pathways clean. Consequently, I don't expect you'll notice any running difference between using and not using it. What I'm hoping for is no fuel system related problems, especially in my carb'ed machines.

Best
Miguel