Rod bearing failure after SeaFoam use

[Mile-High Mariner]

Anyone ever experienced bearing failure after adding SeaFoam in the oil? I recently added some SeaFoam (about 4 oz.) to my oil after changing it and a loud metallic clacking began. According to my stethoscopic probing, it was coming from the bearing for Cyl.#1. This is also a case of which came first (the chicken or the egg?) - a protracted diagnostic exercise to determine the cause of low compression in Cyl.2 culminated in removal of the lifters to find one of them (Cyl.2, exhaust) collapsed and it and most of the others carrying metal bits. I cleaned them out and reinstalled them, engine ran great for a short time, then the episode with adding the SeaFoam and BANG! Loud noise ensued.<br /><br />My co-conspirator on this mechanical journey and I haven't decided what caused the bearing failure, although we're pretty sure that its progress toward failing was what caused the lifter to collapse (the metal bits, remember?), and the fact that the oil pan (yes, we've almost completely disassembled the engine, in preparation for a comlete reman) is full of metal powder and shavings of varying sizes.<br /><br />Anyway - anybody ever had a major event like this precipitated by using SeaFoam or the like in the crankcase? I use it often in the fuel, but this was the first time I tried it in the oil. Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[QC]

Re: Rod bearing failure after SeaFoam use

I would not assume that 4 oz of anything would cause a rod bearing failure after I had seen metal contamination throughout my engine . . . <br /><br />Here is a link that will help you determine the cause of failure by analyzing the failed bearing(s). The iron should tell the story . . .<br /><br /> Bearing Failure Analysis

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Rod bearing failure after SeaFoam use

Basically it sounds to me like you tried the 99 cent solution only after the damage had already begun. Sorry for your predicament.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Rod bearing failure after SeaFoam use

Ayuh,........ I Doubt it could be Blamed on the Snake Oil..........

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Rod bearing failure after SeaFoam use

sounds more like a cam lobe/fifter foot failed then the bearing failed, the first sign of a lobe failure, other than the miss, is mettalic oil. V chevys will wipe lobes occasionally. usually it comes from sitting. the oil drains away and then the operator cranks excessivly and by the time it starts the lobe is toast. it happens occasionally on other makes as well.<br />they say STP at winterize time can help but I use crankcase store-n-start.

 

[Mile-High Mariner]

Re: Rod bearing failure after SeaFoam use

Thanks, guys! I can always count on the faithful! <br /><br />QC - it was more like a whole can. My friend got overzealous and I wasn't watching when he did it, so the oil got zapped.<br /><br />Willy - Thanks for the commiserating sentiment. I needed an excuse to get all greasy and pull the motor out for a reman, anyway, so this worked out great, especially as an educational experience.<br /><br />BONDO!!! I don't think the SnakeFoam's to blame, either, I just wondered if such a bolus of juice would reduce the viscosity of the HD30 to the point that it would be too thin.<br /><br />ROD!!! Cam seems to be okay, even with the failed lifter. No matter - it's being replaced with the reman/upgrade to which I'm treating the motor. Just look for the rooster tail!

 

[Mile-High Mariner]

Re: Rod bearing failure after SeaFoam use

QC - BTW, thanks for the link! Ironically, I'll be using Clevite 77's on the mains and rods with the reman.<br /><br />Cheers!

 

[QC]

Re: Rod bearing failure after SeaFoam use

Good luck!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Rod bearing failure after SeaFoam use

Do you know what is in SeaFoam?<br /><br />Oil...some Naptha...and some Isopropyl Alcohol.

 

[IcantDo55]

Re: Rod bearing failure after SeaFoam use

Mobile 1 is the only thing that goes in any of my motors.