orangedawg

I am a new owner of a 2000 A4 2.8 quattro with 85,000 miles. About to do my first oil change on this car (not my first oil change ever, just on this car). I see mention of using Seafoam prior to changing oil (put Seafoam in crankcase, drive a bit, drain oil). I have a few questions.
First, is this recommended or not? Can any harm come by doing it? If I do use Seafoam, is my engine more prone to leaks at seals after using Seafoam? Any cautionary tales about using this? Any reason not to use it? I have not used Seafoam in crankcase before so just curious. I read the write-up in FAQ, but it didn't seem to address any of my questions.

This car I have has some good maintenance history (timing belt at 65,000, but oddly, water pump at 75,000, owner said shop who did work did not replace water pump when changed timing belt thereby costing last owner more money when had to change water pump. Changed pcv at 55,000 (due for another change?) Not sure about all oil changes, but I do know they have used both synthetic and dino. I think dino is in it right now.

Neo1130

and then someone else took it and did one here...

orangedawg

Thanks!! I was nervous about using it

Neo1130

Even if it does start a leak, the valve cover gasket/cam chain tensioner gaskets are EASY....

pentosinjunky

I think you just want to avoid driving for more than 100 miles with seafoam in the crankcase...

I try to do it every other or every third oil change, I put 1/3rd in the crank, 1/3rd in the gas tank, and suck up the remaining 3rd through the brake booster line.

Haven't been able to say that its ever made a noticeable difference on the A4, but on my dad's old 10v 100CS it made a huge difference.