Fuel Additives

[Markc]

I was watching some how to videos on a website... http://www.kipkay.com/content/blogsection/14/43/
... suggested adding Pure Acetone to your fuel to get better fuel economy.

This spawned a research into additives. I have found many references to adding Acetone - up to 3 ounces per 10 gallons - some say it does improve mpg, some say it doesn't.
Acetone In Fuel Said to Increase Mileage (http://www.pureenergysystems.com/news/2005/03/17/6900069_Acetone/)

Can You Double Your Fuel Mileage? Time for an Experiment (http://www.hammeruncut.com/can-you-double-your-fuel-mileage-time-for-an-experiment/)


Has anyone tried this with their CR-V? Did it work? What were your results?

The CR-V mentions that you don't use additives that contain a certain chemical, but it doesn't mention Acetone. I haven't used any additives in my CR-V because I don't know what chemicals are in them. Most of them on the shelf at Walmart or AutoZone or any place don't show their ingredients. Must be a secret.

Mark

[Carbuff2]

On another forum, some long-time users quit because the acetone doesn't "play" well with ethanol.

[n3tee]

I was watching some how to videos on a website... http://www.kipkay.com/content/blogsection/14/43/
... suggested adding Pure Acetone to your fuel to get better fuel economy.

This spawned a research into additives. I have found many references to adding Acetone - up to 3 ounces per 10 gallons - some say it does improve mpg, some say it doesn't.
Acetone In Fuel Said to Increase Mileage (http://www.pureenergysystems.com/news/2005/03/17/6900069_Acetone/)

Can You Double Your Fuel Mileage? Time for an Experiment (http://www.hammeruncut.com/can-you-double-your-fuel-mileage-time-for-an-experiment/)


Has anyone tried this with their CR-V? Did it work? What were your results?

The CR-V mentions that you don't use additives that contain a certain chemical, but it doesn't mention Acetone. I haven't used any additives in my CR-V because I don't know what chemicals are in them. Most of them on the shelf at Walmart or AutoZone or any place don't show their ingredients. Must be a secret.

Mark

ACETONE IN THE FUEL TANK
EFFECTS: Acetone boosts mileage and reduces hydrocarbon emissions
by as much as 60%. It breaks down the fuel molecules to smaller
particles – for better vaporization. Fuel cannot explode and a liquid, so
the more it vaporises, the more it will do efficient work.
Acetone purity is more important than any other ingredient. Some of them so not
carry honest labels so watch the following instructions carefully. Acetone from drug
stores, as well as nail polish removers, may make you lose mileage, while causing other damages. Therefore I recommend that you use PURE ACETONE only, rather
than the technical grade found in hardware stores.
OPTION ONE - in the USA the best source is Sally Beauty Supply, a
chain store with branches all over the place.
Sally takes no web orders, but their website Sally Beauty Supply has flat irons, hair dryers, curling irons, hair products, bikini wax and more! (http://www.sallybeauty.com)
will give you the nearest location. International locations include
Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, Japan and Mexico.

SECOND OPTION - “Dupli-Color” is a a manufacturer of automotive paints, primers, and coatings. They have their own PURE acetone that's being sold in auto parts stores.

THIRD OPTION – none! Do not use “technical grade” acetone from a regular paint
shop. It's only about 90% pure, but that's not the main problem. The problem is inthat's been added to it: mostly additives such as Benzoate and water that PURPOSELY PREVENT PROPER VAPORIZATION – exactly what we don't want in an engine. Engine Damage may occur.

Xylene
What is Xylene anyway? Not too many people seem to know about it. At the hardware store they will probably tell you that it's a paint thinner. But FireNet International (UK) says it is actually part of our everyday gasoline! Let me quote right out of FireNet's glossary – they define Xylene as “Dimethylbenzene. An aromatic compound having the formula C6H4(CH3)2. Xylene is a major component of gasoline.” When I added 3 oz of Xylene (without Acetone) to my gas tank, it gave an immediate improvement of performance as soon as I started driving. It added more power.

So Xylene all by itself can do wonders to raise MPG and reduce harmful emissions.

The best source I have found for cheap xylene is Sherwin-Williams - use their store locator at Find a Store - Sherwin-Williams (http://www.sherwin.com/store_locator/store.jsp) to find a store near you (in the US and Canada).

Test vehicle 1: 2003 Saturn 4 cyl.
Test vehicle 2: 2003 Saturn 6 cyl.
Test vehicle 3: 2004 Chevrolet Venture Van 6 cyl.
All vehicles had 2 oz. of Acetone added per 10 Gallons of gasoline and 3-4oz. of Xylene added per 10 Gallons of gasoline.
In all 3 vehicles the use of Acetone and Xylene added 3-4 miles per gallon

http://www.cleanmpg.com/garage/images/his2336.png

[Black Pearl]

How long have you used this? What are the long term effects on your fuel system, sensors such as O2, and catalytic converter? What are the environmental effects?

I am very skeptical about adding anything to your fuel or crankcase. Its a big world out there, with an awful lot of chemical engineers and automotive engineers. If these things were beneficial wouldn't the oil companies add them? Yes I know the oil companies have a vested interest in selling more gas, so they quash these ideas. In fact your life may be in danger by posting them on the internet. Well maybe. But it seems to me if these things really work with no other costs, the oil companies would add them and simply charge more for the gas. The oil companies have a vested interest in making money not selling gas. I am pretty damned naive though.

I would be extremely cautious about adding anything to your fuel. The burden of proof is on those who claim the benefits.

[n3tee]

How long have you used this? What are the long term effects on your fuel system, sensors such as O2, and catalytic converter? What are the environmental effects?

I am very skeptical about adding anything to your fuel or crankcase. Its a big world out there, with an awful lot of chemical engineers and automotive engineers. If these things were beneficial wouldn't the oil companies add them? Yes I know the oil companies have a vested interest in selling more gas, so they quash these ideas. In fact your life may be in danger by posting them on the internet. Well maybe. But it seems to me if these things really work with no other costs, the oil companies would add them and simply charge more for the gas. The oil companies have a vested interest in making money not selling gas. I am pretty damned naive though.

I would be extremely cautious about adding anything to your fuel. The burden of proof is on those who claim the benefits.

Long term effects, cleaner burning engine, less emissions, less varnish build up. More power, smooth running engine.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/garage/images/his2336.png

[X-Brawn]

It is questionable to add ANYTHING more then gasoline into the fuel tank. I'd like to see more about Xylene and Acetone being added. Funny, I thought Acetone was corrosive on plastic materials, like those in modern fuel systems.

[kgf3076]

I was watching some how to videos on a website... http://www.kipkay.com/content/blogsection/14/43/
... suggested adding Pure Acetone to your fuel to get better fuel economy.

This spawned a research into additives. I have found many references to adding Acetone - up to 3 ounces per 10 gallons - some say it does improve mpg, some say it doesn't.
Acetone In Fuel Said to Increase Mileage (http://www.pureenergysystems.com/news/2005/03/17/6900069_Acetone/)

Can You Double Your Fuel Mileage? Time for an Experiment (http://www.hammeruncut.com/can-you-double-your-fuel-mileage-time-for-an-experiment/)


Has anyone tried this with their CR-V? Did it work? What were your results?

The CR-V mentions that you don't use additives that contain a certain chemical, but it doesn't mention Acetone. I haven't used any additives in my CR-V because I don't know what chemicals are in them. Most of them on the shelf at Walmart or AutoZone or any place don't show their ingredients. Must be a secret.

MarkAcetone will dissolve most plastics. I don't think I'd use anything that may come into contact anywhere in the fuel line with a plastic. Acetone burns very hot and is practically invisible when it burns (similar to racing alcohol). I wouldn't recommend it.

[gcturp]

I am a chemist, actually doing research on synthetic (coal-based) fuels (funded by both the DOE and DOD - not some 'snake oil' company trying to make a buck . . .).

First of all, I would not put acetone (technical or even 'reagent' grade) into my CR-V. The dissolving capabilities are very different from gasoline and how it interacts/reacts with seals/O-rings is possibly unknown/untested. As a side note, the dissolving characteristics of both ethanol and xylenes are well-studied and SOME seals have been engineered to deal with them (i.e. 'FlexFuel' cars).

Also as a side note, ethanol is a terrible fuel (see below) and xylenes is a great fuel (but I wouldn't add it too gasoline either - same seals/O-rings issue). A small facet of my research is to make a fuel that has the 'aromatic' (which is xylenes and the like) content high enough to increase the energy density, but still low enough to not negatively interact (swell) the seals.

The energy content (per unit volume) of acetone is LESS than gasoline. Most (if not all) oxygenates (hydrocarbons with oxygen present, like acetone and ethanol) are inherently lower in energy content. The energy largely comes from carbon-hydrogen and, more importantly, carbon-carbon bonds in a molecule; for every lower-in-energy carbon-oxygen bond in a fuel molecule, it costs you a more energy dense bond of carbon-carbon. The product, carbon dioxide (CO2) is 'depleted' of it's energy content, and it is not coincidental that the carbon is fully bonded by oxygens alone.

(As an interesting side note, fuel scientists and engineers during WWII realized this, invented 'FCC' (fluidized catalytic cracking) to develop plane fuel with high carbon-carbon bond content which helped the Allies defeat/neutralize the Luftwaffe - which used inferior diesel fuel). Allied aircraft could go faster, accelerate better, and dive/climb much better.

It is my strong opinion that the improvements in gas mileage come from primarily one factor: People drive differently, more carefully, when they 'test' a new gasoline or additive. That's it. Same with 'magnetic fuel line conditioners'. If someone trying to sell you the acetone, or whatever else, wants to convince you otherwise, ask them which PEER-REVIEWED journal was there work published in. . . If it were real, Ford/GM/Honda/etc would call for it; Chevron/ConocoPhillips/etc would sell it. . .

Acetone would reduce the emission though, most notably the NOX and HC (hydrocarbon), only because of the lower energy content of the liquid, the lower the temperature inside the combustion chamber which leads to a decreased reaction with nitrogen (N2, from the air), which produces the NOX (nitrogen oxides, X = 2 or 1). The hydrocarbon emissions would be lowered by the presence of the oxygen already in the fuel (acetone, which is C3H6O). In fact, most additives (including Techron) are oxygenates.

As a side note, often ingredients in additives are listed by their CAS#. Which is the 'chemical abstract service #'. Acetone's is 67-74-1. Here is a link to a website that is a simple lookup for translating CAS# to names: http://134.79.80.221:2002/

PS: The best ways to increase your mileage: drive better, keep your tires inflated to spec, and keep your car tuned . . .

[Badgerland]

gcturp (http://www.crvownersclub.com/forums/member.php?u=2590) nothing like a little knowledge for shooting down some questionable methods of improving your gas mileage. I liked the little blurb at the end...like we don't already know what we should be doing. Thanks for the post! :)

[Black Pearl]

The problem with peer review journals is that you can't always find information to support your position.

The Internet however has unlimited "information" to support any position under the sun.

To your list of MPG improvers I would add slow down. Drive the speed limit. It also has an anti-ticket additive and improved crash resistance that will save you money and you don't need a radar detector.

I was on the Pennsylvania Turnpike again yesterday, driving the speed limit. I passed two vehicles in 12 miles. The Escalades, Navigators, Rams towing trailers, and general traffic streamed endlessly by like I was standing still. You would never believe that gas was $4.00 a gallon.

Thanks for a well written and informative post.

[TGuy]

I think most people already are putting additives in their fuel system. If you buy gasoline from a major brand (Shell, Chevron, Exxon etal) you are getting standard gasoline with their trademarked additive in it which does all the good things mentioned above. If you are buying the cheap no name gas; you might consider adding a bottle of additives once in awhile to clean it out or buy some gas from a real gas station. At some Sams you can push a button to add it for a few cents per gallon. Most all the gasolines will come from the same source; the only difference being the additives which are blended into the gasoline as it is pumped in the tanker.

[jsw2233]

I think most people already are putting additives in their fuel system. If you buy gasoline from a major brand (Shell, Chevron, Exxon etal) you are getting standard gasoline with their trademarked additive in it which does all the good things mentioned above. If you are buying the cheap no name gas; you might consider adding a bottle of additives once in awhile to clean it out or buy some gas from a real gas station. At some Sams you can push a button to add it for a few cents per gallon. Most all the gasolines will come from the same source; the only difference being the additives which are blended into the gasoline as it is pumped in the tanker.

I have always preferred Chervon, but it is always 20-25 cents more per gallon. That's like ~$3 per tank. I am wondering if I put no name like costco gas, and add a bottle of Techron, it's cheaper but will it be the same? How often should I do it?

[Badgerland]

I have always preferred Chervon, but it is always 20-25 cents more per gallon. That's like ~$3 per tank. I am wondering if I put no name like costco gas, and add a bottle of Techron, it's cheaper but will it be the same? How often should I do it?


As long as you are using the "top tier" brand gasolines you should be fine since they are supposedly made with an additive package like Techron to begin with.

Top Tier Gasoline (http://toptiergas.com/retailers.html) in case you didn't have the link. :cool:

[Markc]

gcturp, Thanks for the information. You are a wealth of information. I have not done anything of the sort - using acetone as an additive that is.

I use gas from the local Walmart/Murphy gas station. They are generally the cheapest around - as of yesterday $3.69 per gallon, when everyone else is $3.82 to $3.90. Plus when you use a walmart gift card, you get 3 cents off per gallon.

I generally drive about the speed limits, I don't jack rabbit start, and unless I am in danger, I don't floor it.

I don't know if I am doing right by the tires, but I keep the tires inflated to 40psi. The tire rating is 44psi, but Honda says 28psi.
I don't know exactly how much of a difference it has made, but I do get better mileage with the higher psi. Anyone care to comment on the tire pressure?

Thanks everyone,
Mark

[Black Pearl]

The only thing that would concern me about running that high is whether you are exceeding the max pressure when the tires heat up. I think I have seen that heat can raise the tire pressure 6 psig.

The common wisdom years ago was excessive tire pressure would cause the tires to wear in the middle of the tread (low pressure cause the side of the tread to wear). I don't know if that applied to only bias ply tires or if it still holds on radials. Regardless too much pressure could be lowering your tire life and possibly over pressurizing the tire. I would consider lowering it to 37 to 38 psig.