Hi guys, I messed up and poured seafoam into the vacuum pump. I'm just looking for advice on what I should do or how I can minimize any damage I've done. I'm pretty sure there's a ticking noise coming from the pump now. Van drives fine. Thanks for any replies!

 

Unless the van is 4x4 I believe the pump just provides vacuum for the climate control actuators so shouldn't harm the engine at all. As for what to do about it... I'd definitely unplug it for starters. Then pull it and the tank to try and drain/dry them as best you can. Best if luck.

 

Okay that makes sense, thanks for the reply I will try to suck out what I put in there! What do you mean by the "tank"? Thanks!

 

If you put sea foam in there then probably you have in the oil and fuel, drain and replace everything and stop doing that.

 

Oh wow I didn't know it would get into the crankcase. Thanks

 

You're talking about the vacuum pump on the passenger wheel well correct? Just in front of the blower motor? It has a plug and a couple hoses, 1 horseshoes back to the pump and the other goes to the tank right next to it, behind the passenger battery. Are we talking about the same pump?

 

Van has a belt driven vacuum pump and vacuum booster power brakes.

No idea what seafoam will do to it.

 

Does it have it own separate reservoir or circulated with engine oil? If separate what fluid does it use? If petroleum base, a good flush and fair chance could be ok. Alcohol base, buying some new parts most likely.

 

As someone mentioned, the vacuum pump for the van differs compared to the truck. I didn't know that. Mine is on the driver side and runs off the accessory belt.

 

Seafoam is made to go in the crankcase and "clean" the sludge and gunk, so I'm guessing it's relatively safe with petroleum base fluids at least short term. Alcohol base like brake fluid is another story though. Don't know how it might react with the seals a such.

 

There is no fluid in the vacuum pump system.

 

Then how did it get poured in? Never mind, doesn't matter.

 

That is a very good question.

 

Hi all,

So my e350 is similar to an OBS vacuum belt driven pump. It is on the driver side and I believe it mounts to the engine and has no other lines other than the vacuum hose that goes to the brake booster. I poured the seafoam through that vacuum. I don't believe it has a way to get into the crankcase from that hose. I will try to suck out any extra fluid that is in the pump. Thanks for all the replies so far!

 

Umm while I agree this was a bad idea. The vacuum pump isn't even connected to the engine functions at all. Your not going to get it in the fuel or oil......