Posted on 07/26/2005 10:55:35 AM PDT by rface
Many months ago, I read a post on FR about adding acetone to gasoline to increase mileage. I tried the method outlined in the posting and paid attention to the naysayers and to those who thought that the idea might work.
Heres the FR thread that I am referring:
Acetone In Fuel Said to Increase Mileage 15-35%
The original paper:
Pure Energy Systems: Acetone In Fuel Said to Increase Mileage
I immediately noticed that my 1996 Ford Explorer w/ 5.0 L V8 increased from 16 mpg to 19 or 20 mpg. This was a substantial increase, so I have added acetone to my gasoline for some 700 gallons of gasoline --- which equates to around 33 tankfuls of gas or 13,000 miles. I now add 10 ml acetone/gal of gasoline at every fuel stop.
My Ford Explorer has about 175,000 miles on it, and the Check Engine light (probably Oxygen sensor) has been on for about 50,000 miles but it runs good and uses no oil. I have changed the oil regularly and I keep my tires at ~35 lbs of air pressure. Its a good running Ford and it looks good --- when I get around to cleaning it up.
The Miracle:
I was driving home from work a few days ago and something didnt look right on my dashboard
something was wrong.
I looked again at the oil pressure gauge. Okay. Temperature? Okay. Voltmeter? Okay. Hmmmmm. The Check Engine light is off.
Whats up with that?? Probably the dang bulb finally burned out.
No biggie. The Ford still runs good and I was tired of seeing that Check Engine light stare me in the face.
When I got home, I turned the engine off, and then re-turned the key to the accessory switch .and the dash board lit up as it was supposed to . Including my Check Engine light!
Results: Yes, folks. Acetone in your gasoline will increase your mpg and it will make your Check Engine light go off.
Lesson Learned: This is just another example of the truth in the philosophy that I occasionally go by: If you ignore a problem long enough, it will go away.
What do you use to measure and pour this into your engine?
(sorry - typed too fast...) What do you use to measure and pour this into your gas tank?
I tape an imaginary egg to the bottom of my shoe.
I think they are still in the back of the freezer. I hope so. We have some extremely disagreeable relatives coming for a visit. I could cook spaghetti for them :-)
Here is something that makes sense.
http://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?board=5;action=display;threadid=2517
Actually to all:
The vapor/surface tension "thing" just doesn't hold up for about 12.5 reasons (basic, surfactant chemistry). :"They" had the same "discussion" back in the 80/90s when gas was expensive (supposedly) and catalytic converters and oxygen sensors were starting to come in to use.
FYI: The acetone is reacting with the catalyst used in the oxygen sensor making the mixture appear" too rich. As a result - the mixture is leaned out by the computer thus the mileage goes up.
The reason it does not work the same on all cars is that there are three different metals used as catalysts in O2 sensors: platinum palladium rhodium or in combination. Acetone in combination with NOx (and others) in the exhaust will react differently with each metal to either speed up or slow down the catalytic reaction of the oxygen senor. FYI, I am not talking about the catalytic converter - just to stop about 100 posts.
Question: am I the only one on the planet who remembers this? There seems to be a lot of people skiing behind the "vaporization" boat?
The reason I know this is that I used to work for Exxon; and fyi, the reason they don't put acetone in gas is that it is hard to get it to stay there and second over time it reacts with different kinds of additives in fuel. Which is also a reason why it does not work on some cars - it's the gas not the car.
They have had additives in the past with acetone - old news. It is good that it works though! It simply had gotten more news because of the historic price of gas.
Also, this is why ASME standards for elastomers used in cars requires (heavily suggests) that all elastomers be tested with acetone - along with other (i.e . MTBE, M85 ...) Once again, very old (but good) news (remembrances)
So I did. It was still there. Now what?
Can't diagnose it unless you tell me what code it is throwing.
I drove a '96 Ford Explorer for about four years - - best vehicle I ever had. Four-wheel drive with Michelins of course. NEVER got stuck in deep snow. The thing was unstoppable.
Ronald Reagan once explained conservatism this way: "don't just do something, stand there"!
Me too; traded it at around 150,000; for a '99 model. It was equally reliable; I spent $400 for one repair (other than tires and general maintenance).
I traded it at 199,998 for a 2004 model.
The '04 model has, to say the least, cured me of my Explorer "fix." Absolute garbage on every level. Cheapened up insides; the plastic can be scratched with a fingernail; a transmission that I later discovered had a "service bulletin" issued before I ever drove it off the lot (the dealership didn't fix it; I drove it for 20,000 miles before it was fixed); and a few weeks ago..the hinges gave way on the back hatch...it FELL OFF!!
Total garbage. Incidently, with my "fixed" transmission I have to keep a foot on the brake at intersections with a grade...it rolls backwards like manual transmission.
Predictably, Ford issues no recalls until they have a "body count."
I am not surprised at your reaction to the new Explorers. In fact, I decided against getting a new one when it looked to me like they rode lower or something. I figured that the American car companies went "politically correct" and reacted to all the scumbag liberal whining about how when cars have an accident, they "lose" because the SUVs have higher bumpers, and so they lowered the bumpers to make it "even". Whatever. My next ride is a big truck. Probably something Japanese.
This is crucial. For example, some manual transmissions use automatic transmission fluid. Most differentials on front wheel drive cars use the same fluid as the transmission. On many front wheel drive manual transmissions both the transmission and the differential use motor oil. So step one is to be sure.
You'll see noticeable performance and mileage gains in converting transmissions, differentials, and transfer cases to synthetic. The life on these lubricants is generally longer, so you may not change ATF for fifty thousand miles. If a transfer case or differential is converted that fill may be good for the life of the vehicle.
I've used synthetic oil in engines for many years. I've used synthetic gear lube for many years. I was a skeptic about automatic transmissions using synthetic until a friend convinced me to try. I think I got more of an MPG and performance increase from that than from using synthetic in the engine.
Make sure the lubricant you use meets manufacturer's specs.
I have a 1997, it will probably be my last.
http://www.edzone.net/fulton/home/hstaff/salogarg/chem/acetone2/web_page.html
"....Acetone is prepared commercially from isopropyl alcohol, using brass or copper catalysts. It's chief use is in making other compounds. It belongs to the organic group called Ketone (type of compound classification). Corn and other starchy products are also sources of acetone. It can dissolve many substances, including gums, oils, resins, fats, and cellulose. Acetone plays an important role in the production of rayon materials. By itself, the gas often explodes. It is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid with either a fruity or mintlike odor. It is also soluble in water......"
Interesting way of upping fuel efficiency. I'll wait for more info though.
What octane fuel do you use? I heard you will notice a difference with regular unleaded, but the most significant increase is with high octane.
According to Smartgas.com 3-4 oz/10 gals is the optimum amount.
Thanks
"Is it true that the coolant tank should be filled regularly with Gatorade?"
Only the green stuff. That "Ice" line burns hot.
How do you put it in? Just dump in a gal and turn it on?
Yep! Dump a gallon of white vinegar in the dishwasher without detergent and let it run. Dishwasher comes out clean as a whistle! I have a stainless steel tub and all hard water stains are gone.
It's cause your fuel injectors are clean. When I have ck engine light...I add fuel injector cleaner and the light goes off. I understand this cleaner is much like what you've been adding to each fuel tank of gas.
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