Seafoam versus Diesel Purge - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Panzermann · #1 05-03-2006, 08:32 PM

So, now to start a new thread about various products to clean injectors. Now, on the last thread, I know that some people think you should disassemble the fuel injectors and that is all very well. I had some of my injectors tested and rebuilt at $77 a pop for the ones that needed rebuilding. But if you DON'T want to go down that road (and I know that some people think of the following as snake oil, and I respect them and their opinions, but recognize that there is a difference of opinion as regards the value of the following), has anyone used Seafoam in a manner similar to Lubro-Moly Diesel Purge (i.e. directly in to the injection pump for a high concentration effect). The directions on the Seafoam can seem to indicate that you can do so, filling up one's fuel filter with the agent. Seafoam seems to be used in a lot of marine diesel settings, and is more easily available in the US than Diesel Purge.

kmaysob · #2 05-03-2006, 08:36 PM

well i see you are from az, im sure you have seen a bap import parts store. they carry the lm diesel purge

Panzermann · #3 05-03-2006, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmaysob

well i see you are from az, im sure you have seen a bap import parts store. they carry the lm diesel purge

I've ordered the LM DP from ***************, and they ship it pretty quickly. I was curious about the Seafoam product cause I saw it at an Autozone store and read about it and it seemed to be a very similar product to the LM product. The last thread I was on got a little out of hand about cleaning the injectors physically, and didn't elicit relevant responses regarding the similarity of the Seafoam product to the LM product.

kirby_pug · #4 05-03-2006, 08:53 PM

I dont know but i will tell you that Seafoam is the REAL DEAL.

I know that Seafoam works & I know Redline DFC Works best in diesels.

Use Seafoam in Gas Engines & REDLINE DFC in Diesels.

Panzermann · #5 05-03-2006, 09:33 PM

What does DFC stand for in Redline DFC? I know they have the product for the fuel tan, but is DFC different than that?

#6 05-03-2006, 09:58 PM

DFC = Diesel Fuel Catalyst

TwitchKitty · #7 05-03-2006, 10:10 PM

Check to see if the manufacturer of your engine recommends these products. See if any diesel engine manufacturer recommends these products. Da Ba, Da Ba, Dats all folks.

Ara T. · #8 05-03-2006, 10:16 PM

I think that if you need to use this stuff often to get a smooth start out of your diesel there are things that need to be replaced, like nozzles or maybe glow plugs. I did the diesel purge and changed the filters out on our old 300SDL and the start ups improved dramatically, this isn't a cold climate we're talkin here though and before i used it the idle would be shaky, it would smoke like all hell, etc. But after diesel purge the engine started as quickly and easily as my 300D with 617 motor. The 603 went back to ****ty starts after a month. I figure the nozzles on the injectors were crap, but I sold the car for $3000 instead of replacing them. Naturally I tried diesel purge on my 617 and it made no noticeable difference in the start up or power output.

PatrickW · #9 05-03-2006, 10:39 PM

I've used Diesel Purge in the past, but I have to admit that SeaFoam is a lot easier to obtain (local Wal Mart vs ordering from someplace far away and paying for $hipping).

Does anyone know what chemicals make up these two products? How similar are they...?

If anyone's got a can of either one handy, does it list the ingredients?

- Patrick

Panzermann · #10 05-03-2006, 11:00 PM

....63% diesel fuel, as a carrier I assume, which explains why some people can drive around intheir cars for a while while a jar of the stuff is hooked up to their intake.

kmaysob · #11 05-03-2006, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Panzermann

....63% diesel fuel, as a carrier I assume, which explains why some people can drive around intheir cars for a while while a jar of the stuff is hooked up to their intake.

that would be on gassers. it works a whole hell of a lot better with the vavoline 3 part kit and the special tool that slowly lets the stuff in. if you just put a hose in a jar it will suck it all up in under 30 sec. i do the vavoline kit on all my cars. helps alot.

dazsa · #12 05-03-2006, 11:45 PM

What is the consensus on the Red Line products for diesels? Is any of it any good and what specific products are recommended? Oh, what is the volvoline kit for diesel purge?

Thanks, Don

Mismost · #13 05-04-2006, 12:08 AM

I have not used Seafoam as a diesel purge. I have ran a couple of cans through my fuel tank and it helped. The engine smoothed out and just runs better. A friend gave me a couple of cans as a "welcome to the world of diesels" gift...he buys it by the case and swears by it, I value his opinion in diesel matters.

I would be interested in hearing about your results with it used as a diesel purge.

WVOtoGO · #14 05-04-2006, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Panzermann

....63% diesel fuel, as a carrier I assume, which explains why some people can drive around intheir cars for a while while a jar of the stuff is hooked up to their intake.

Who drives around??

I've always done it at idle in the driveway.

If it's 63% diesel fuel - It's crystal clear diesel fuel.

WVOtoGO · #15 05-04-2006, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwitchKitty

Check to see if the manufacturer of your engine recommends these products. See if any diesel engine manufacturer recommends these products.

I’m not getting back into it with you here. But, you’re the one who keeps bringing up manufacturers recommendations, so that makes you the one to ask first.

First - How do we find out what they do and don’t recommend? And, how do we apply that to all the auto parts store offerings? With all the new and improved bottles of this and that coming out these days - Do the manufacturers keep up with it all? And, for our 25 year old motors as well?

Then - There’s the issue of capitalism. I can go into the MB dealership parts counter and see rows of bottles containing everything from MB labeled brake fluids, to waxes/polishes, to MB labeled fuel additives that claim to help keep injectors clean. I can do the same thing at the Dodge dealer, the Caterpillar tractor dealer, the Case dealer, etc. etc. All with products in bottles with their own label. Why would the manufacturer give a recommendation for anything other than what their label is on? Maybe if it’s the same thing - different bottle? If not - I guess we’ll need to know what’s in it. And, if we know that what’s in the manufacturers bottle is the same as the “off-brand” bottle, why not use it? Recommended or not.

Excuse my pessimism, but I often question bottles that claim: “Specially formulated for….” and have twice the price + on them. I’m not saying manufacturers aren’t selling some formulas that work better than others on/in their products (i.e. I only use MB coolant). I just can’t see them recommending the use of AutoZone XYZ at $5.00 a bottle when their selling the same exact stuff in their bottle for $15.00.