meilers

How does this compare to the Subaru-branded Top Engine Cleaner? I just got a bottle for $2.89...

constellation

iTrader: (1)

It's the same stuff, I've used it on my subie - but I don't think my engine had enough crap built up to make a difference. I did run it through my datsun and a friends geo, and it made a world of difference though.
I just think our engines wont really need it until we are up in the mid 100k's.

Sinister Subaru

Well, there it is. A direct response from Sea Foam, but I still won't use the stuff.

meilers

The fact that Subaru turbo owners use 91 or better grade gas probably gives us cleaner engines than most; the darn expensive stuff is mostly soap. When I changed out my spark plugs at 45k I was shocked at the nice shape they were in. I feel a bit safer using the Subaru-branded and bottled engine cleaner and injector cleaner than other products (same reason I use only Subaru radiator coolant; at least you know it has been tested in that particular auto.)

I actually have some dyno and tuning time coming up soon, so I will use the cleaners on my 52k engine and report back on if my detonation threshold improves...

Sinister Subaru

I agree. I'd have much more peace of mind using a Subaru product because I'm fairly certain that Subaru isn't going to "authorize" a product that's going to damage their products.

meilers

Can someone point me to the correct vacuum line to use? '02 WRX...

VRT MBasile

iTrader: (17)

I think most people use the one coming off of the bpv

Sinister Subaru

Use the one coming from the brake booster. Just stick the hose right down inside the can and let it suck it up. Only use about 1/3 of the can.

VRT MBasile

iTrader: (17)

other people have commented that using the brake booster line will only do half the engine

Sinister Subaru

Please explain with factual proof how using the brake booster is only going to clean one side of the engine. "That's what I heard" isn't the solid answer he's looking for.

VRT MBasile

iTrader: (17)

I have no factual proof as most technical explainations go over my head

I'm a musician, not a mechanic, its just the experiences I've heard. Most people suggest using the line off of the bpv

Sinister Subaru

Most people I know have put it through their brake booster with no ill effects. I've also been witness to it, so I know they're not having problems with it. This goes for all different makes/models of vehicles.

I've never heard of putting it through the line off the bov, but any vacuum line will do.

VRT MBasile

iTrader: (17)

where is the brake booster line? I think maybe the bpv tube is just easier to get to, but since n/a engines have no bpv brake booster is the next best? who knows. anyone wanting instructions should search as there are few threads with good instructions (the can doesnt really give any instructions)

Sinister Subaru

The brake booster is behind the master cylinder. There's a line coming off of it that heads right to the intake manifold.

meilers

Holy crap you people are touchy. Someone post a picture of the engine bay with a red arrow done in MS Paint to the line that I want. I can see quite a few to choose from, and I'd like to use one that someone else has used with known success.

I'm using the Subaru Top Engine Cleaner, not the Seafoam. The instructions say to use the entire bottle, 1/3 at a time. However, there is a catch -- the entire bottle is made of OPAQUE BLACK PLASTIC, leaving me no way of measuring whether I have actually sucked up 1/3 of the contents! I'm going to decant it into a clear container with markings in liquid oz. and work from there. The Subaru brand cleaner does NOT say to add it to either the gas or the crankcase.