Yesterday I put a pint of Sea Form into my 1998 Civic fuel tank after I filled it up with gasoline. I ran it on idle about fifteen minutes, and then drove about ten miles.

After another 50 miles, the car stopped this afternoon on the highway all of a sudden and it wouldn't start again. If I try to start the car, it cranks a few times but doesn't start. So I towed it to my home and then I checked the engine oil which I changed a few days ago. It looks okay. I also pulled out all four plugs, and they look okay. No carbon deposit fouling.

What's the next thing I have to check?

 

This is how it sounds when I try to turn the car on. It might help you diagnose the problem. Thanks guys!

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?sodx22jbsakdcgn

 

Fuel pump prime?

Spark at plugs?

CEL codes?

 

You are supposed to replace the fuel filter after running sea foam in the gas tank since it can loosen gunk and plug the filter. Try replacing the filter first. It is also possible that crap that was stuck in the filter got loosed by the sea foam and clogged the injectors. Read the back of the can it says to replace the fuel filter before use.

 

so the can says to replace the fuel filter before and after you use seafoam? Idk

 

use seafoam 1st, and then replace it

 

No it says to replace the filter before use due to an old filter having a lot of crap in it, the concern is that the sea foam will break down some of that and it will end up getting stuck in the injectors plugging them up. I personally dont like using seam foam. I prefer Valvoline 3 part fuel system clean. It has a in intake injector cleaner, carb/TB cleaner spray and a top engine and valve cleaner. Stuff works awesome and I have never had any issues with it. If using sea foam in the fuel in large amounts I would replace the fuel filter before and after use. See plugged injectors a few times from using it.

 

technically if you want to go by HONDA specs. it says NOT to use anyt type of cleaner in the system.. if you use quality fuel and change your filter as directed it should be pretty okay, so CRAP will build up but thats life.

 

I tried to replace the fuel filter...
I can't turn the 14mm nut below the fuel filter because it has been locked tight. One of the stronger guys in my neighborhood tried to turn it but it just keeps slipping. I can't use a blow torch since it's a fuel system, and I'm not sure if WD-40 will work.

 

When I did mine it was a b**ch. Just keep trying and make sure you're turning it the correct way.

 

I've used sea foam multiple times and never had to change the fuel filter. I'm not even sure where it says that on the can (I could be wrong).

 

Speaking of the directions on the can, where does it say to run a whole pint through the fuel system?

As far as the frozen nut, use vice grips. The fuel filter has a "nut" built into it so that you can get a wrench on it and one on the fuel line fitting for leverage.

 

If the car fires up using starter fluid spray than you know it's a fuel related problem. Probably the fuel filter but it could also be the sediment screen on the fuel pump (in the gas tank). Sediment on the walls of the fuel tank could break free from the sea foam and overwhelm the sediment screen and actually varnish over it.

 

I have a can in my hand right now and nowhere does it say to change the filter before or after using it. I have used sea foam for many years now and I love it. I have seen it make some hondas stop smoking as much when adding it to the oil. and as for the fuel line not coming loose. use some pb blaster on it, spray it once every half hour or so for a few days and then use a line wrench so you dont round it off. It WILL come lose, I have never found one that would not. you just have to try really hard. good luck

 

+1

and line wrenches are a savior! I use them over an open end wrench most of the time

 

Because you like your knuckles

 

precisely

and girls dont like bloody scabbed up knuckles when touching their boobies!

 

Fuel comes out of the top of the fuel filter when I loosen the nut and turn the ignition on. Like this guy:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdpP4wxBvpA



Since I don't think there's an issue with the fuel filter I didn't replace it.
Now what? Are the fuel injectors clogged up? How do I test they are OK?

 

^ too much? lol

 

You need a set of metric flare nut wrenches. I went to Advance and picked up a 3pk of wrenches that have 6 different sizes in all.

 

"You need a set of metric flare nut wrenches. I went to Advance and picked up a 3pk of wrenches that have 6 different sizes in all."

Do I still need to replace the fuel filter?

 

if its the original one.. then yea.. it might be a good idea. whats 20 bucks to have clean gas.

 

And improved gas mileage! My MPGs went up 3 from the fuel filter alone.

 

I replaced the fuel filter.

Also, when I turned the bolt at the end of fuel injector rail, gasoline sprayed out. I don't think all four injectors can be clogged up at the same time...
Maybe the electricity isn't getting to the spark plug. Then this problem isn't related to the Seafoam...?

 

if u cant get the nut out use a long pipe it helps with more force with less trying