Sea Foam - 2003 Avalon

[MJH1280]

Hello Everyone. This is my first post!

I have a 2003 Avalon with 188k miles. I've been reading up on Sea Foam and have used some in both my gas and oil (1/3 each). I've read that you can pour some into your vacuum lines to clean out your engine. With 2003 Avalons the PCV valve is behind the intake manifold. This makes it difficult to pour into the lines. Has anyone had success running Sea Foam through your intake? I've thought about disconnecting the line connected to the PCV valve and attaching a hose. I'd then pour the Sea Foam through the hose into the PCV and through the intake. Does this sound like it would work? Will this damage my PCV Valve? I'm a novice so be gentle with my criticism.

[Mr. Glen Oaks]

Hello to all,

This is my first post / reply. I recently ran Seafoam through the Brake Booster Vacuum Line. Disconnect it directly from the booster itself. It is alot easier than messing with the other fittings on this line. Attach a small funnel into the hose while the car is running. The vacuum pressure will pull it into the throttle body and feed all 6 cylinders (this is crucial). The PCV valve approach is more trouble than it's worth. You will need a helper to rev the engine to 2000 rpms. Pour SLOWLY to avoid hydro-locking the motor. You can listen to the motor and compensate your pour rate accordingly. When you finish pouring the desired amount turn the car off and let it heat soak for 10-15 min. After the heat soak start her up and rev away. The fumes will be extreme! Be sure to do this outside and close your windows in your house, seriously! After the smoke subsides drive her hard but legal and you are done. This stuff is great. It's been around for a long time for a reason!

[MJH1280]

Thanks. Now I just need to figure out which is the brake vacuum line....I am a novice. Any help or picture would be great. I'm guessing it's the start of the line that feeds into the PCV valve.

[Mr. Glen Oaks]

The brake vacuum line is on the opposite side of the engine compartment. The PCV valve will not be involved. On the Driver side of the engine compartment, right in front of the steering wheel, is the firewall. Locate your brake fluid reservoir, Its a clear plastic rectangle with a black lid. Attached to it and literally against the firewall is a large black metal cylinder called the brake booster. If you are standing by your driver side fender it is directly to your right. Find the hose, it's about 5/8" in diameter and attached with a small spring clamp. It's is in between the brake fluid reservoir and the fender. You can't miss it. That is the hose I described in the previous post. It heads over to the throttle body. This is the aluminum contraption that is fed by your air intake. There are two small rubber air hoses that feed it and a bunch of small vacuum hoses on top. You don't need to mess with any of these hoses, I just am trying to help you find your way around the parts discussed. Unfortunately it is dark over here now so I can't take any pictures. If you still need the pics I will try to post some up tomorrow. Good luck.