Some of you might find this an interesting read, especially if you are experiencing some similar issues to me.
I run a cheap Elm327 OBD II bluetooth box and Torque on my phone and use that as my instrument panel on my 2008 308 HDi 2.0
It also reads fault codes and after having none originally, about a year and a half ago it clocked up an EGR sensor fault. Nothing seemed to make it go away and after clearing it the fault would always return within a minute or so. I always use a Wynns diesel fuel conditioner additive each fuel load and once a week would blat it out in 2nd gear which would result in a big blast of black smoke as the dpf cleared after which the car ran smoother and felt more responsive. This didn't seem to help with the EGR fault however and as there was no de-pollution warning I just lived with it. When I went for a service they confirmed the EGR fault but also noted that they are expensive to replace. Over the months a few more fault codes were exposed by the Elm327, all to do with powertrain but without a planet box, the explanation was always non specific. I know one was found to be a glow plug fault but I was told at the service not to worry as one glow plug fault is not an issue.
So, just before Christmas I viewed some youtube videos on seafoam in diesels and after reading some information I decided to give it a shot. The vehicle was due for a service so good time to see if SeaFoam might help it run a bit better.
I ordered the large can of SeaFoam and added the specified amount to the fuel and also a small amount in the oil, yes in the oil ! It claims that it does not change the viscosity and of course it's supposed to clean the oil galleries and lines etc.
Well, after a short drive the car did feel a bit punchier and my weekly blast was seeing less and less black smoke but the fault codes remained.
So Christmas came and went and the car sat unused until I went back to work recently but after a couple of hundred kms I decided to clear the fault codes.
The interesting thing is that the only code to return is the one associated with the glow plug. This is the first time that all the other codes have remained silent. I have cleared and scanned for codes numerous times since then and they have definitely gone. I'm going to add more SeaFoam now I have a full tank of fuel again. I can only assume that the addition of SeaFoam has made the changes I am seeing but I would view the results with scepticism. I am no expert and can only report what I am seeing. If you were considering trying the SeaFoam product I would do so. Can't guarantee you'll see changes similar to mine or indeed any change at all but it's definitely a product that I will now continue to use in my diesel.
Just a final word, I have also put some seafoam in the fuel I use in my petrol machines such as mower and brush cutter and they seem to start easier, run smoother and I have been able to reduce the idle speed as now they continue to run at a slower speed. I'm particularly impressed with the brush cutter as it runs a treat, is very responsive and is over 20 years old
I run a cheap Elm327 OBD II bluetooth box and Torque on my phone and use that as my instrument panel on my 2008 308 HDi 2.0
It also reads fault codes and after having none originally, about a year and a half ago it clocked up an EGR sensor fault. Nothing seemed to make it go away and after clearing it the fault would always return within a minute or so. I always use a Wynns diesel fuel conditioner additive each fuel load and once a week would blat it out in 2nd gear which would result in a big blast of black smoke as the dpf cleared after which the car ran smoother and felt more responsive. This didn't seem to help with the EGR fault however and as there was no de-pollution warning I just lived with it. When I went for a service they confirmed the EGR fault but also noted that they are expensive to replace. Over the months a few more fault codes were exposed by the Elm327, all to do with powertrain but without a planet box, the explanation was always non specific. I know one was found to be a glow plug fault but I was told at the service not to worry as one glow plug fault is not an issue.
So, just before Christmas I viewed some youtube videos on seafoam in diesels and after reading some information I decided to give it a shot. The vehicle was due for a service so good time to see if SeaFoam might help it run a bit better.
I ordered the large can of SeaFoam and added the specified amount to the fuel and also a small amount in the oil, yes in the oil ! It claims that it does not change the viscosity and of course it's supposed to clean the oil galleries and lines etc.
Well, after a short drive the car did feel a bit punchier and my weekly blast was seeing less and less black smoke but the fault codes remained.
So Christmas came and went and the car sat unused until I went back to work recently but after a couple of hundred kms I decided to clear the fault codes.
The interesting thing is that the only code to return is the one associated with the glow plug. This is the first time that all the other codes have remained silent. I have cleared and scanned for codes numerous times since then and they have definitely gone. I'm going to add more SeaFoam now I have a full tank of fuel again. I can only assume that the addition of SeaFoam has made the changes I am seeing but I would view the results with scepticism. I am no expert and can only report what I am seeing. If you were considering trying the SeaFoam product I would do so. Can't guarantee you'll see changes similar to mine or indeed any change at all but it's definitely a product that I will now continue to use in my diesel.
Just a final word, I have also put some seafoam in the fuel I use in my petrol machines such as mower and brush cutter and they seem to start easier, run smoother and I have been able to reduce the idle speed as now they continue to run at a slower speed. I'm particularly impressed with the brush cutter as it runs a treat, is very responsive and is over 20 years old
however, I am definitely seeing changes and nothing has changed bar the addition of Seafoam. Can't remember how much was required for the oil but my calcs set it to a very small amount indeed. It has taken about 400kms to see these changes and I am hopeful that this will mean the EGR will not need replacing as suggested.
