I had the dreaded check engine light come on, which really pissed me off as I just paid for all new brakes.

The codes came up with a 420 (downstream exhaust?) and a 1457 (something with evap)- I told my mechanic I had recently seafoamed it, and he thought it might be the O2 sensor. So got a new O2 sensor put in, and no check engine light- I'm hoping that was the last I see of it.

But he did say that I probably shouldn't have seafoamed it, and is worried it may have screwed up the CAT?

Any thoughts?

 

doesnt the seafoam say CAT and O2 sensor safe right on the can itself??

last time i seafoamed the TL it felt as although the exhaust seemed clogged and car still feels slower. changed spark plugs too. test pipe is legal here in FL!

 

Yeah, my mechanic said it was not great, and that newer cars are very sensitive, and I'm going to be pissed if that light comes back on and I've killed my CAT.

Also, OT- does anyone have any info on the numerous chips on EBAY that say 20-35 HP increase? Some are super cheap, I'm not going to post links because I don't think that's legal on here, but they make all sorts of claims and also say it won't affect MPG?

 

For instance, the Redline power chip- claims 35 hp gain?

 

Seafoam shouldnt have hurt any thing and those chips are a joke and waste of money

 

And what does a clogged exhaust felt like??? and no test pipes arent leagal for street use any where. Cats are a Federal law and are required in all 50 states unless car is used for racing

 

What he said. ^^^

 

Thanks for the responses guys.. I thought those chips were a joke, just wanted to check.

 

It's a frequent question.

 

seafoam is a good product and shouldn't harm your cat or 02 sensor. your plugs may need to be changed after seafoaming but that's it.

 

How long did you drive the car with the check engine light on? Sometimes seafoam leaves quite a bid of crud in some of your parts and it might take a bit for all that to completely evaporate. I seafoamed my ford ranger and was getting a bit of smoke for quite a few days after sea foaming the car. After a little while it went away though so I don't know if this is related at all. Did you try resetting the computer too?

 

Ok, update: So I had my mechanic change out the O2 sensor, and that cleared the 420 code that was coming up on the computer. There was also a 1457? code that he said was EVAP, but he reset it, and no check engine light all weekend.

Low and behold, this morning, driving to work, there is the F***ing check engine light again!!!!

Anyone know what it would be doing with this EVAP code? If I have to replace my CAT for $600 I'm going to be livid...

 

Which O2 sensor did he change? Both of them I hope?

 

No, I believe just the downstream as that was the code that was given. I have no idea what this EVAP code portends though- I would hope it might just go away, but I'm sure it won't.

 

Doesn't the EVAP code indicate the fuel cap is loose?

 

Usually it. On the $$$

 

Yeah, it is supposed to be indicative of the fuel cap, but that isn't it. I'm taking it in again this afternoon to see which code comes up, I'm hoping that it is still the EVAP code, and not the other that I'm hoping the O2 sensor fixed (which was the 420 which is something with the CAT).

I'll let everyone know the prognosis, if anyone else has any input on EVAP code possible fixes, it would be much appreciated.

 

what is seafoam?

 

Do a search- it's a fuel injector cleaner.

 

Is this just an isolated incidence? I'm planning to SeaFoam my car today but after reading this...I'm like

 

Its a full system cleaner

It has nothing to do with the seafoam

 

i used seafoam this past weekend, everything seems A-OK so far.

 

fsttyms1, I fully respect your opinion and appreciate all your assistance on this board- you are definitely a stand up guy with an extreme amount of knowledge on these cars.

I must say though, that it is quite a major coincidence that after sea foaming my car, I got 2 check engine codes. One has now been eliminated by changing out the O2 sensor, but I still have the evap code that will need to be figured out by my mechanic (possible sollenoid problem?)

My mechanic is blaming the seafoam, and I continue to argue with him about it, but I'm really not sure what caused both of these problems in rapid succession...

 

Its possible but highly doubtfull. Many have been using seafoam with no issues whatsoever. I used it on my old motor a few times and never had a issue, and ive used it on my new motor with no issues. O2 failures on our cars are fairly common. I dont have my manual here to look up the diagnostic troubleshooting for the evap code or i woudl to give you some ideas.

 

Just for grins try picking up a new gascap to see if it goes away

 

I may do that, luckily the O2 fixed the 420 code, so the CAT isn't damaged. We cleared out the evap code again, it hasn't returned yet, I'm crossing my fingers that it won't..

Thanks again for all the knowledge and advice man!

 

I'm not sure what year your acura is or the miles. Just remember some of the things that have to do with emissions are mandated to be warrantied by the dealer, per the EPA, to 70, somethings 80k. I had a vsa/cel pop up, turned out to be a bad 02 sensor in my 2003tls with 67k. The dealer was forced to warranty this @ no charge to me. Keep this in mind when it comes to your emission componets. hope this of some help. I seafoamed today BTW. Good luck

 

Thanks man, It's a 99 with 105k, so it won't be under any warranty.