Acetone Increases MPG?

[crokett]

The science in this writeup makes sense. OTH you'd think if this actually worked someone would be putting it in fuel already.

http://www.pureenergysystems.com/new...00069_Acetone/

[ironhat]

Tried it in my '97 F-150, 4.6 L engine. Didn't make a bit of difference. I think that Mythbusters came to the same conclusion although, I don't always agree with their methodology.

[docrowan]

The premise cited in the article is the acetone in tiny amounts lowers surface tension, which supposedly promotes full vaporization of the fuel. The author asserts that a small amount of liquid gasoline remains in the cylinder during combustion. Given the very low flash point of gasoline and the very hot temperatures found in the cylinder, plus the fact that the injection nozzles or carburetor already break the gasoline into a mist, I find that assertion extremely hard to believe.

I also found it interesting that there was a very large number of hyperlinks to a "Scanguage" you can purchase in order to verify MPG.

[cabinetman]

The science in this writeup makes sense. OTH you'd think if this actually worked someone would be putting it in fuel already.

That's a reality check. Some of the scuttlebutt I've heard, and of course it's just scuttlebutt, is that it may affect some of the "O" rings, and gaskets in a fuel injection system. Also since it is said it increases combustion properties, it may create "hot spots" on carbon deposits on valves and in the head (combustion chamber).

If you want to try it out, just don't spill it on your paint.
.

[jackellis]

While researching my recent new vehicle purchase, I came across a gadget that claimed to improve fuel economy by mechanically vaporizing the fuel before it reached the injector spider. Also nonsense.

It's highly unlikely the automakers have overlooked any reasonable way to improve fuel economy by modifying the engine and fuel system. They and university researchers beat on this constantly. When so-called miracle inventions come out of the woodwork, I hang on to my wallet.

[prlundberg]

...OTH you'd think if this actually worked someone would be putting it in fuel already.

Bingo. Nobody has proven it actually works. And it may cause engine damage.

http://www.fuelsaving.info/acetone.htm

This has been around for years.

[Hoover]

I tried acetone in my gas tank last year. It did help in my wife's Hyundai Sante Fe. Not so much in mpg, but it aided in acceleration. My Ford Ranger had the same result. The fiddling around in measuring and adding it to the fuel was more hassle than the results.

[Gator95]

1) Chemicals like acetone are already added to gas as oxygenates to reduce smog. They are of questionable effectiveness.

2) The following 2 paragraphs from the website are absolute, complete garbage. Emoticons added are mine:

"For instance the energy barrier from surface tension can sometimes force water to reach 300 degrees Fahrenheit before it vaporizes . Similarly with gasoline.

Acetone drastically reduces the surface tension. Most fuel molecules are sluggish with respect to their natural frequency . Acetone has an inherent molecular vibration that "stirs up" the fuel molecules , to break the surface tension. This results in a more complete vaporization with other factors remaining the same. More complete vaporization means less wasted fuel, hence the increased gas mileage from the increased thermal efficiency"

[OpaDC]

Anyone want to buy a bridge?

[MilDoc]

Anyone want to buy a bridge?

Nah.

But I have invented a carburetor that will let your car run on water. Only 10 left! First come first served!

Only $199 (or two for $500)!

[LCHIEN]

1) Chemicals like acetone are already added to gas as oxygenates to reduce smog. They are of questionable effectiveness.

2) The following 2 paragraphs from the website are absolute, complete garbage. Emoticons added are mine:

"For instance the energy barrier from surface tension can sometimes force water to reach 300 degrees Fahrenheit before it vaporizes . Similarly with gasoline.

Acetone drastically reduces the surface tension. Most fuel molecules are sluggish with respect to their natural frequency . Acetone has an inherent molecular vibration that "stirs up" the fuel molecules , to break the surface tension. This results in a more complete vaporization with other factors remaining the same. More complete vaporization means less wasted fuel, hence the increased gas mileage from the increased thermal efficiency"

I can only crack up when I read BS mumbo jumbo like that.

[shoottx]

The next thing you know these scientest will try and prove the true origin of Thanksgiving

[Gator95]

The next thing you know these scientest will try and prove the true origin of Thanksgiving

Near as I can tell it involves relatives coming to visit and taking away time better spent woodworking.

[chopnhack]

I'm sorry you didnt get the memo: Thanksgiving has been postponed till further notice

[Daryl]

Maybe if the acetone was used in conjunction with cow magnets we would see some real savings