Hey guys, after reading several threads stating that seafoam was liquid gold, and should be incerted into any possiable oriface in my jeep, i went out and bought a can. i had about a quarter tank of gas, and so i put roughly 1/3 of the can into the tank, and then drove across the street to the gas station and put 20 bucks of gas in. that is all i did. my jeep barely runs now.
when i go to start it, it coughs and sputters, and if i apply the gas, it bogs down, and dies completely. i can get it running by removing all the spark plugs (which look fine) and spraying starter fluid into each cylinder. after doing this, the jeep runs fine as long as it remains running (drove a 2 hr trip, no problem) but when i shut it off, it doesnt want to start. i have noticed that the fuel pump sometimes doesnt kick on at all, and sometimes it kind of gives a half *** attempt. so i would think that its the fuel pump causing my problems, besides for the afore mentioned starter fluid to the cylinders method works EVERY TIME. Has anyone else had problems with seafoam? would it make sence to drop the fuel tank to change the filter, and leave the pump alone if it seems to work? thanks for any advice!

 

That stuff is a pretty potent detergent. You might have dislodged enough stuff in the tank to clog your fuel filter.

 

1/3 of a can of Seafoam in about 10 gals. of gas?.......I think your problem is coincidental and elsewhere.

 

I agree. Seafoam didn't cause your issue.

 

thats strange then, the jeep ran like a top untill literally 5 mins after using seafoam... any tips on removing the fuel tank?

 

Why do you think you need to remove the fuel tank? The seafoam in your gas tank is NOT your problem. Bad gas from that station may be an issue but unlikely.

Are you sure you didn't put it in the intake?

When did this happen? How long has it been running badly?

How much has it been ran since it started running badly?

What year is the Jeep? 4.0?

 

I've used Seafoam in crazy amounts, and have never had an issue. I once let my vacuum hose suck down a full can of seafoam, sprayed half a can in the throttle body, then poured a can in the gas tank. My check engine light came on for a day and it smoke like a train, but ran great. Seafoam is petroleum based and unharmful to your engine.

 

I doubt 5 ozs (1/3 can) of water in 10 gals of gas would make it run bad. Wouldn't it be easier to put another 10 gals of gas (fill-up) in it? Starting to smell like tunafish?

 

Hold on mate. I wouldn't give up that quick.

Get a fuel pressure test set from O'reilly, Advance, or Auozone, and check your fuel pressure at the fuel rail. If I knew what vehicle you're talking about and what year it is, maybe I could tell you what fuel pressure you should be seeing (or did I miss something?)

Anyway. these fuel pressure gauges have a bleed port on the side of the gauge that you could open to purge all the crap out of the fuel line, from the tank to the fuel rail. Let the fuel run (engine running at idle) into a white bucket and see if there is crud in the fuel. If there is crud in the fuel you bleed off it could have made its way to your fuel injectors....say good night Gracy.

I'm not a big believer in these Jesus Juice's like Seafoam. The most I've ventured to the dark side is to use BG44K, and even at that I only use half the recommended dose - to a full tank of gas.

Get the gauge, check the pressure, bleed it, then tell us what's up.

In the mean time, top off your tank with premium gas and take the pain.

 

Ah sea foam dont ya just love it....jmoo...

 

You need to provide some real information like fuel pressure in psi for starters. I don't understand how you could trust a vehicle that is in such allegedly bad shape for a 2 hour drive.

I think as stated before perhaps the addition of this chemical maybe conicided with the demise of your fuel pump. Usually when a fuel pump fails it's for good, do you normally keep about a 1/4 tank of fuel in your ride?

 

Everyone else has stated.
Year of vehicle is needed to help diagnose
If you have the older Cherokee replace the fuel filter and see where that gets you, make sure the pump relay is good, check the ballast resistor and make sure it's good

 

I think Gnommad is probably curled up in the fetal position about now.

 

1/3 of a can of seafoam and $20 bucks of gas (besides what was in your tank) is not likely your problem.

Gotta know what YEAR your XJ is. You must include this in every thread you start.

Verify that your fuel pressure is within spec. Absolutely next up on your "to do list". Must be done with a gauge. Many parts stores will rent you this tool inexpensively.

 

hey guys, sorry for the slow responce, i was at work!
First, thanks for all the advise! it is nice to have a community of dudes who know what they are talking about!
i'm just going to give my best answer to all your questions, so.... here goes!

2000 cherokee 4.0 municipal title, i think it was a police vehicle

im thinking i need to remove the gas tank to get to the fuel pump/filter, it may be a dead pump, or it could be gunkified...

The jeep runs fine after i get it started, which is why i took it on a 2 hr trip, that and i need to transport some stuff, so the jeep it was.
i have a question about the fuel pump, should i hear it absolutely every time i turn the key? if i sit there and go from off to run 50x, should i hear it every time, or will it stop once the lines are pressurised? i only ask because sometimes i hear it go, and sometimes not, but removig the spark plugs and spraying starter fluid into the cylinders not only starts it, but it keeps running smoothe after that every time. so, that makes it sound like it is not the fuel pump...

as far as keeping about 1/4 tank of gas in the vehicle at all times.... i'd have to say no, i generally put 30 bucks in, drive till im in the red, and repeat

i did put about a capful in the air intake, i failed to mention that earlier, sorry.

130 am here, going to bed, i will check in the morning before i get the fuel pressure tester guage thingie.