Setting baseline: Fluids/seafoam

I

itsjustmemc

New member
I know this might be overkill. But, every time I've ever purchased a used car like this I've likes to change all free fluids to ensure they are filled with the fluids I prefer and to set a baseline for my own maintenance records.

My 2001 SR5 just turned over 120k as I was driving it yesterday. I'm thinking of switching all of the fluids to synthetic and changing the following:

1. Motor oil
2. Transmission Fluid
3. Transfer Case

What am I missing on the T4R? I have to be missing something small.

Also, I'm considering using seafoam (or similar) to add some detergents and clean out any gunk or build up. I've read about the possibility of exposing leaks, etc. But, if I want to get 300k out of this truck I wound rather find them now.

Thoughts? Concerns?

I appreciate any/all feedback.

Mike
 
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Coolant, brake fluid, both diffs, transmission, engine, transfer case and lube the chassis. That's where i would start. As for sea foam how did you plan to use it?
 
GA-4RUNNER said:
Coolant, brake fluid, both diffs, transmission, engine, transfer case and lube the chassis. That's where i would start. As for sea foam how did you plan to use it?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input and the extensive list. Seafoam - I've been told that it would be good to run it through the brake lines, gas tank and engine oil for 100 miles or so before switching to synthetics.

I'll be the first to admit, that I'm a beginner when it comes to car maintenance. But, I'm anxious to learn which is part of the reason I bought this 4Runner. Not only is it a great truck. I was told that it's not to difficult to maintain. Obviously, the major stuff I would need to pay a professional.

But, thought on Seafoam? Or do you recommend another product? Also, what brands of synthetics do you recommend?
 
No Seafoam or other additives in brake lines. EVER!

Just flush with clean new DOT3 or 4 and doubt seriously anyone's whose advise was to run Seafoam in the brake lines.
 
itsjustmemc said:
Seafoam - I've been told that it would be good to run it through the brake lines,
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Do NOT put seafoam in your break lines!! I am really glad you started this thread to ask before doing it.

There are many threads on here about seafoam and the general consensus is it is best to run it through the intake. Use the search method stickied at the top of the 3rd gen page to find the threads about it. From what I have read it can foul your o2 sensors but other than that it is safe. I have not done it to my own vehicle because I see no symptoms that seafoam would cure, ie if it aint broke dont fix it.
 
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I'd forgo Seafoaming the engine unless you see a good deal of carbon buildup in the throttle body.

Instead, use a good oil such as Mobil 1 High Mileage Synthetic to keep the engine clean.
 
Yoter said:
Do NOT put seafoam in your break lines!! I am really glad you started this thread to ask before doing it.

There are many threads on hear about seafoam and the general consensus is it is best to run it through the intake. Use the search method stickied at the top of the 3rd gen page to find the threads about it. From what I have read it can foul your o2 sensors but other than that it is safe. I have not done it to my own vehicle because I see no symptoms that seafoam would cure, ie if it aint broke dont fix it.
Click to expand...

Understood! I appreciate it. Based on the group consensus I think I will skip Seafoam and just change the fluids to synthetics.

Thanks for the feedback!!!
 
Most people put Seafoam through the brake booster vacuum hose. This causes the Seafoam to get sucked into the top end of the engine and cleans out valves, etc. The Seafoam in no way touches anything brake related. Maybe this is what you're referring to? DO NOT put Seafoam into the master cylinder, or anything like that.
 
Robb235 said:
Most people put Seafoam through the brake booster vacuum hose. This causes the Seafoam to get sucked into the top end of the engine and cleans out valves, etc. The Seafoam in no way touches anything brake related. Maybe this is what you're referring to? DO NOT put Seafoam into the master cylinder, or anything like that.
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Yes, exactly. I believe that is exactly how my read was worded too.

At this point, I'm not going to use Seafoam. Y'all have scared me away.

Haha!

:noidea:
 
itsjustmemc said:
Yes, exactly. I believe that is exactly how my read was worded too.

At this point, I'm not going to use Seafoam. Y'all have scared me away.

Haha!

:noidea:
Click to expand...

Nah, don't be scared of it. Put some in the gas tank, and do some research to figure out which vacuum hose is best to pour it in, when cleaning the top end of the motor.
 
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