Seafoam vs. Carbon Guard

[sc419795]

Guys - I am a first time boat owner and trying to study and read as much as I can to learn what to do. I went into my local marina and ask for some Seafoam. I am read a number of postings here and it seemed that Seafoam was recommended a number of times.

My local guy told me to use Carbon Guard which is manufactured by Evinrude/Johnson. When I asked about Seafoam, he basically stood behind the E&J product.

Just wondering from you guys what do you think? The Carbon Guard is expensive - $19/bottle for 12 oz. The mix is 1 oz of Carbon Guard per 8 gallons of fuel. It should last close to 100 gallons of fuel so when you break it down, probably not that bad cost wise.

[Lockjaw]

I didn't pay that much for it. I got some for about 8 bucks. Switch dealers.

Seriously, Seafoam is good stuff, and you can bet your dealer isn't going to recommend that over something he sells.

Check on Scream and Fly, they like it.

[sc419795]

Lockjaw - thanks for the info. I will go out on the Web to see if I can find Carbon Guard any cheaper.

I guess one question I still have - what really is the difference between seafoam and carbon guard? are these basically the same products - just one mfg by Evinrude/Johnston and the other is a competitor....or is there something different in one or the other that makes one better than the other?

[Lockjaw]

The carbon guard is thicker. Seafoam pours out like water, carbon guard is more like a light oil or syrap. At least the bottle of it I have is thick.

I also think the carbon guard is sort of a preventative, the seafoam removes what is already there.

If I was smart, I would just use the good BRP oil and be done with it, but I have good info on the Penn Semi-syn, its supposed to be the same as Merc oil.

[Fishn450]

Is there a problem using both Seafoam and Carbon Guard?

Dan

[sc419795]

Lockjaw - I have started to use the Evinrude/Johnson motor oil - right now XD50. I bought this boat used earlier this year, and once I finish for the season, plan to drain the existing oil and move to the XD100.

I have the same question as Dan - can both Seafoam and Carbon Guard be used? If seafoam gets rid of what is already there....and carbon guard prevents - sounds like if I have a 1992 motor, could see the benefits of both of these products.

[rickdb1]

Seafoam will get rid of the built-up carbon and when used continually in recommeded amounts, will prevent further build-up...

[Lockjaw]

I use both at the same time. One of the things I noticed on mine is there was some sort of varnish on the inside of the OMS housing where the fuel filter goes, and I have cleaned it up as much as possible, however seafoam goes where no finger can.

I asked my dealer if they planned to carry the BRP oil in bulk and he said no, so I am not sure if I will ever convert. I might use the Merc in bulk. I just hate to pay 20 bucks a gallon for oil when I have a regular carb outboard. I guess that isn't to bad considering I don't use a lot of oil, but.... I think the Penn Semi synthetic is pretty good stuff.

The guy who clued me into it is a well respected outboard hop up guy, so I trust him to shoot straight with me.

[sc419795]

$20 a gallon adds up after a while. The Penn Synthetic stuff is $12/gallon at the Walmart by me. I am very new at all of this - first time boat owner. Still trying to figure my way around the motor, the prop, and everything else that is on this boat....let alone which brand of oil to use.

[Lockjaw]

That is what I use. I can get it for about 10 bucks a gallon at Academy. I bought the 2.5 gallon jug the other day for 27 bucks or so.

There has also been some talk on S&F about the full synthetics causing some piston siezing problems in other motors, ie black ones that are higher revving then your normal bass engine. I think that has to do with ring material and bore type though.

If I/you had an e-tec, then I would run the BRP oil especially while under warranty. Other then that I think the Penn Semi is good stuff. My brother in law uses it in his boat to, with a FS 150 with no problems as well.

[sc419795]

Lockjaw - so if I am current running BRP oil...non-synthetic, and want to start to move towards the Penn Syn, I think I need to drain out what I have in there and start fresh - probably with a new oil filter - would you agree?