Did a seafoam treatment this past weekend on my '07 Cooper S, 3 separate times from the one can over Sat & Sun. I tremendous difference in performance and gained back some mpg's I've lost. The car is driving and running so nice, I forgot how she ran new. The process is a bit scary to do but if you've read the thread you can't go wrong. I had a lot of smoke on all 3 cleanings, so I will probably repeat the process again this weekend.

My question is, is there anything that could have caused me to get a p0420 CEL? Tuesday (2 days after my seafoam treatment) I got this CEL while just driving down the highway. My scanguage is able to reset the code but the minute my ECU is 'ready' it is tripped again. Do I need to pull the O2 sensor and have a quick look at it? Could the carbon have redeposited on the sensor or something... (to not cause mass histeria, I have an Alta DP, been on the car for over a year without issue (i have an '07)... so it could just be coincidence)

 

so the CEL light WILL likely come on but just go to auto zone and have them clear codes if it doesn't reset in 24 hours?

 

In general, if you're going to work on a modern car, I cannot stress enough that you MUST have your own scanner or diagnostic software. To do otherwise is like being an engine mechanic without a torque wrench.

Here I offer a couple Innova scanners for about 50% off retail.

Here I offer some Bavarian Technics diagnostic software that does much more than just OBD-II diagnostics.

Whether you buy from me or not, you really, really, really should get some form of diagnostic tool. No, they aren't perfect, but without them, you don't have the "ears" to listen to what your car tries to say to you.

Matt

 

Good Dr. - Do the scanners tell you what the codes mean, or is there a super-secret code list that I can download somewhere? Methinks its time to buy a scanner...

 

and some actually point out what the make specific codes are. There are lists on the web as well that can help.

I've been very happy with my basic scanner, but if I were to do it again, I'd get a fancier one. The capabilities are more, and the price has dropped a lot for what you get.

Matt

 

I'll second those recommendations, if all you want to do is check/clear basic engine codes (check engine light), the Innova works great, I have the 3180 sitting in my toolbox and often carry it with me. It does give you a basic description of the codes, but you can get much more detailed descriptions online.
The Bavarian Technics one will give you ALL the faults in your Mini, engine, trans, even modules like the radio and a/c systems. It's the closest thing you'll find to the dealer's equipment and it's still very very cheap (assuming you have a laptop).

 

There is little or no relationship to the amount of smoke produced and the amount of carbon removed. SF in a a brand new engine will smoke the same.

 

Thanks. I followed up with a quick search and apparantly one of the ingredients in the SF is a light oil that causes the smoking out. I'll save my can for my next oil change.

 

Still looks cool though

 

Finally took the plunge and SeaFoamed my MCS at 23K. Never trusted engine additive "miracle" cures in a can, but this stuff really works! After one treatment, there's much better throttle response, glass smooth idle and no stumble on take off anymore. Feels like more power and no CEL. Thanks to all for your tips on how to apply correctly. Just hope that smoke cloud doesn't attract CARB, LoL. One more "cure" tomorrow. I also found a much more productive way to kill time before AMVIV!

 

I would agree with you if I was going to work on my car. But this is about as far under the skin and I'll go myself. I've got a friend who has helped me in the past on other projects who's got a serious scan tool but for this and, adding brake lights, a CAI, changing, a grille or light bulbs I'm not going to buy a scan tool. None of those things would negate it unless I was looking for a mythical bhp increase on the CAI or the root of a bulb out light.

 

it's a good sanity check on what shops tell you. If you get a code on a MAP sensor, for example, and they try to sell you service on your valvetrain, you'd have some interesting conversations for sure.

Also, scanners are CHEAP now. The one I bought long ago was close to the bottom of the line, and was $120. Now the same version, but more capabilities, is around half that, or a bit less. If it were to help once, it would have more than paid for itself.... But whatever floats your boat is fine with me.

Matt

 

yea i'll give you that, when i'm out of warranty i'll be much more interested. right now i suggest replace and work away!

 

How do you grt the clamp loose?
Tony

 

Squeeze on both sides and pull out.

 

and I spoke to another Sea Foam convert. Has an 08 MCS that was starting to idle rough and the like. Sea Foam cleaned that up and restored some lost power....

Matt

 

Hey oxybluecoop, do you just take off your BSH Boost Tap to sea foam your Mini?

 

Negative! Just pull the PCV hose off the boost tap.

 

gotcha

 

I found Seafoam in a spray can today at Advance Auto Parts. $10.99 a can. Might make it a little easier to do.
Tony

 

Thanks Tony, but I already scrounged a plastic baby bottle with one-hole nipple. Easier to control when turned upside down. Ever notice how a rug rat gets every last drop out of one? LOL

 

After reading this I was chomping at the bit to do the treatment. I did mine last night. the worst part was figuring out how to remove the hose. I ended up breaking one of the tabs but that was not an issue.

Anyway, I did it on my '08 R56 with the JCW kit and 41,000 miles. I've always followed the MINI recommended oil change intervals [not anymore though, I'm going to start doing them at 7500] and I was starting to get some rough idling and power loss. I did two treatments plus gas treatment. Lots of smoke and I did get the CEL. but after my drive into work today, I've noticed a considerable difference in power and a much smoother idle. It seems to idle about 50 RPMS slower too. CEL is gone too. Unless you don't drive it eveeryday you probably won't notice it [like my wife did last night. she was completely indifferent to it] but I noticed a differeance last night and even more so this morning. This is a definate 'must-do' if you plan to keep the car for a long time [I usually drive mine for 10 years] and are the least bit **** about your car [like I am]

 

in a misguided effort to reduce cold start clatter, a lot of dealers are overfilling the crankcase on oil changes. We have a base Clubman and they even overfilled it! Anyway, beside increasing windage (power loss to slapping the oil silly cause it's overfilled) this will probably result in MORE stuff going through the PCV system, increasing the carbon build-up rate! Why some think that doing the wrong thing will fix a problem is beyond me, but anyway, it's happening.

Just another thing to keep an eye out for! Grrr....

Matt

 

we don't have seafoam in my country any alternative?

we have cyclo, STP and Tufoil engine treatment (injector Cleaner) will this work also?

 

OK, took the plunge and did a Seafoam treatment this afternoon. However, I did not get any smoke at the end of the process. Engine does seem to be running smoother than prior to the treatment. Maybe I'll try again tomorrow just to be sure I didn't mess something up the first time around.