Honda: Engine Treatments Review

This article applies to the Honda Civic/DelSol (1992-2000) and Honda Accord (1990-2002).

Engine treatment in a can has been around for decades. In the 1960s, major racing figures promoted these products. With the advances in chemistry and engine performance, there are improved products available today. We looked at the reader’s results for Seafoam Motor Treatment, CRC Motor Treatment, CRC Guaranteed to Pass, and Royal Purple.

Bear in mind that the only way to keep an engine clean is proper maintenance. Think of the words of wisdom from a football coach, “The best goal line defense is not to let them down there to begin with.” In other words, don’t create the problem in the first place. Regardless of how a dirty engine occurred, the fact that it happened leaves you having to make a decision as to how to rectify the situation. The best way to clean an engine is to disassemble it and clean it component by component. Although cleaning an assembled engine with a canned product has been claimed to be a successful adventure as per our research, there are no guarantees that it will work. In fact, some of the research indicates that it does more harm than good. Therefore, do your research well and evaluate the risks before considering using any of these products. This guide is not recommending you use the products. Rather, it is summarizing the results of those who did.

Prior to getting to the comparison, realize that a disclaimer of sorts is required. Putting anything into your engine via any means may void your warranty. Serious thought is required, and detailed advance research is recommended. This article compares published results. However, it does not recommend that you take any action. If you decide to use an engine additive, you are doing it under your own guise.

Engine treatments are used in an effort to rid the engine and fuel system of dirt and/or carbon deposits. They are typically applied in several different ways. Most engine treatments go directly into the fuel tank. As a result, the treatment travels through the tank, the fuel lines, the fuel pump, the fuel filter, the injectors or carburetor, the manifold, the combustion chamber, and out through the exhaust. For applications directly into the vacuum system, the treatment goes into the manifold, combustion chamber, and exhaust. Be very careful putting anything into your vacuum system as it can cause hyrdolocking or other serious problems. Pay particular attention to the instructions provided with the product. Research this move fully and understand the potential problems that may result. Finally, some treatments go directly into the oil for cleaning the crankcase and valve train components.

The objective of an engine treatment is to clean the engine. The debris that is created needs somewhere to go. For the fuel system and vacuum applied cleaners, the end destination is the exhaust. As a result, spark plugs, sensors, and the catalytic converter may receive the debris. Similarly, engine treatments that flush the oil will leave the contaminants in the oil. Always consider where the dirt goes and plan to eliminate it. Consider both the engine treatment’s instructions and warranties in addition to those of the company that manufactured your vehicle.

Engine Cleaners

Seafoam

Price – $6-7

Performance – Claimed to be the best value for the price

Warranty – None

Seafoam is recommended for use by the manufacturer in your vacuum lines, fuel system, and oil. Those that used it commented that it was effective overall. However, there were serious recommendations on following the instructions. Therefore, ensure that you read the references in order to best decide how to use this product. Some claimed that Seafoam caused excessive smoking while others claimed that poor performance resulted. This effect was claimed to be due to carbon on the oxygen sensor and in the catalytic converter. Again, the debris from the cleaning needs to go somewhere. Consider the effects of using a cleaner and the end destination of the debris. Recommended for those who want the most popular and easily researched choice.

CRC Motor Treatment

Price – $5-7 depending on spray or liquid

Performance – Similar to Seafoam

Warranty – None

Those who used CRC Motor Treatment commented that it was very effective for cleaning the oil system. The improvement was obvious in the dipstick oil color. Like Seafoam, CRC Motor Treatment was recommended by the manufacturer for adding to the oil or vacuum system. Overall, the results appeared to be similar to those of Seafoam. Recommended for those specifically concerned with build up in their oil.

CRC Guaranteed to Pass

Price – $12

Performance – Guaranteed to work. Cleans fuel systems and claims to get you through emissions.

Warranty – Double your money back if you don't pass emissions.

CRC Guaranteed to Pass was favored for its ability to clean the fuel system. It comes with a guarantee to pass emissions or double your money back, giving it the best back-up of the products evaluated here. Recommended for those who live in SMOG or emissions testing states and need help passing emissions tests.

Royal Purple

Price – $16

Performance – Mixed results reported

Warranty – None

Royal Purple is a fuel system cleaner that produces mixed results. Some noticed an improvement right away while others did not. Considering the way dirt builds up differently, Royal Purple could be the answer for clogged fuel systems. Recommended for vehicles that may have been sitting for some time before being used regularly again.

Related Discussions and Sites

• Seafoam Engine Treatment Reviews - Honda-Tech.com
• Did Seafoam Ruin My Engine? - Honda-Tech.com
• FYI on Seafoam - Honda-Tech.com
• Seafoam Website - Seafoamsales.com
• Royal Purple Injector Cleaner Discussion - Honda-Tech.com
• Royal Purple Website - Royalpurpleconsumer.com
• CRC Guaranteed to Pass Discussion - CRCindustries.com