Seafoam vs Mercury Gas Treatment

[Steve CO]

I posted this on the general board but got no response, so here goes again. What is the difference between Seafoam (which everyone seems to love) and a gas treatment like the one Mercury makes specifically for their motors? It would seem like the treatment /cleaning/gas perservative features are similar. I use the Merc product as it was recommended by my dealer. I figure it can't hurt (except the pocketbook but a poorly running enfgine probably costs more). Anyone know the answer to this?

[tj1n]

Steve,
Yamaha has a product they recommend as well called "ring free." After reading the contents and descriptions I thought it sounded exactly like the Seafoam that I've been using for years.

I asked a yamaha mechanic at the dealer that I buy from and he couldn't answer if one was better or worse, nor whether one would replace the other.

I only know that I ran Seafoam, in my 74' Evinrude that I ran approximately 180 hours per year, every other tank since I bought it used years ago and she still purrs like a kitten and has every bit of 135 horsepower she had when I picked it up.

I'd be interested to hear additional feedback on this issue.

Travis J.

[Phil T.]

Think of SeaFoam as a solvent (alcohol) that cuts fuel system varnish mixed with gas stabalizer(Stabil).
The OB manufacturers' gas additives are mostly penetrating oil to break loose any carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber.
Different products, different purposes. One may do a little of the other's job, but I wouldn't count on it.