Searched the Seafoam threads and didn't see any related to what I recently (may have) experienced. Used Seafoam in the oil as I was approaching an oil change. Approximately three weeks later, had an oil leak that was coming from the filter gasket (not the oil filter adapter at the block, thankfully). I'm thinking it was just a coincidence, but wondering if anyone else had similar issue. Changed oil and filter and no leak now - not going to add Seafoam again for awhile.

 

Just a coincidence. You probably just didn't get the filter on tight enough.

 

Or, your old filter was a cheapie? Was it orange?

 

The filter was on there for months with no leaking, only started ~3 weeks after I put the Seafoam in (before the oil change I did yesterday). I also tried to tighten the filter but the leak didn't get better. Still could be a coincidence but it wasn't due to a loose filter.

 

It was one of the cheaper brands, but not a Purolator (probably made by them). Replaced with a Wix filter.

 

It could have been a borderline seal and the Seafoam cleaned things up enough to produce the leak.

I prefer using Rislone for a few oil changes to clean up an engine. I like Seafoam, but flushing an engine clean with something as aggressive as Seafoam runs the risk of breaking loose a glop that winds up plugging an oil passage.

 

I agree

 

Try Marvel Mystery Oil for cleaning/melting sludge.

 

Here's one for you. My grandfather told me to replace one quart of oil with kerosene and run it for just a couple of days, then drain it and put new oil in it. I can imagine it works very well because we used to clean engine parts in kerosene.

 

Many years ago when I thought I wanted to become a automotive tech and going to school for it our teacher swore by that stuff.

 

My grandfather told me his mama had them take a teaspoon of it also for colds. I still can see him spraying WD40 on his elbows when they hurt...lol I loved my grandpa!

 

Yeah, my grandpa used to do that kerosene thing. He also smoked everything from horse**** to dried leaves and lived to be 87! He died from drinking too much after my grandma passed. That and not eating. My Dad tried to kick him into taking care of himself, but he didn't.

 

Kerosene is an old trick and it works, but like the Seafoam, may be a bit too aggressive. MMO should be good.

 

Obviously any solvent is going to soften the seals. I'm not surprised the filter is leaking.