MPG Increases Using Proven DIY Techniques
http://www.articleland.co.uk/articles/36219/1/MPG-Increases-Using-Proven-DIY-Techniques/Page1.html
Larry Miller
Independent businessman since 1967, freelance writer since 1982, full-length book author, weekly newspaper columnist, ex-championship race car driver and mechanic, ex-professional athlete and US Olympic team hopeful, award winning Trans-Pac sailor. Health, fitness, writing, photography, sailing, fly fishing, increasing fuel economy instructor. Adventure travel companion. Automotive accessory inventor, innovator. By Larry Miller
Published on 03/2/2008
You can increase your fuel economy dramatically using time tested and proven low-tech methods.
Raising Octane to Increase Efficiency
The slower the flame propogation, the burning of the fuel in the cylinder, the higher the octane rating. You can pay twenty cents per gallon for higher octane fuel or you can use water vapor injection to accomplish the same end result.
Raising the compression ratio, increases horsepower but most pump fuels won't allow for the compression ratios that were used pre-1980. Most current automotive gasoline engines have a compression ratio of 8.5x1 or less. This allows them to use low octane fuels without pinging. Pinging, or pre-detonation (PD), can destroy an engine. The computers in most cars since 1996 can detect PD and will adjust the timing to compensate. When the timing is retarded, horsepower is reduced. Reduced horsepower results in a lower engine efficiency which in turn results in lower fuel mileage (MPG).
Increasing octane rating, increases horsepower, efficiency and MPG. This can be accomplished through water injection. True water injection requires injectors, pumps, metering devices and more, the same as fuel injection. Water vapor injection can be accomplished without the expensive and expertise intensive equipment. Water vapor injection raises the octane rating by damping the fuel load and slowing the flame propogation.
The amount of water vapor needs to be regulated but that can be accomplished easily and inexpensively with a simple thumb screw control valve. Too much water can cause the engine to hydro-lock. Too little water vapor is similar to a raw vacuum leak and can do damage to internal engine parts. It's best to follow the instructions of someone who has done the research and development, although it can be done from scratch. Re-inventing the wheel takes longer and can be counter-productive.
Water vapor systems can be built for approximately $50.00 US, depending on where the parts are purchased. The $50.00 price includes the necessary parts to build a do it yourself, on-board hydrogen system. Most quality hardware, automotive, and some department stores, stock all the necessary parts needed. There is at least one how-to DVD available, http://www.mileageman1.com, on the Internet that walks you through the process step by step.
Raising the compression ratio, increases horsepower but most pump fuels won't allow for the compression ratios that were used pre-1980. Most current automotive gasoline engines have a compression ratio of 8.5x1 or less. This allows them to use low octane fuels without pinging. Pinging, or pre-detonation (PD), can destroy an engine. The computers in most cars since 1996 can detect PD and will adjust the timing to compensate. When the timing is retarded, horsepower is reduced. Reduced horsepower results in a lower engine efficiency which in turn results in lower fuel mileage (MPG).
Increasing octane rating, increases horsepower, efficiency and MPG. This can be accomplished through water injection. True water injection requires injectors, pumps, metering devices and more, the same as fuel injection. Water vapor injection can be accomplished without the expensive and expertise intensive equipment. Water vapor injection raises the octane rating by damping the fuel load and slowing the flame propogation.
The amount of water vapor needs to be regulated but that can be accomplished easily and inexpensively with a simple thumb screw control valve. Too much water can cause the engine to hydro-lock. Too little water vapor is similar to a raw vacuum leak and can do damage to internal engine parts. It's best to follow the instructions of someone who has done the research and development, although it can be done from scratch. Re-inventing the wheel takes longer and can be counter-productive.
Water vapor systems can be built for approximately $50.00 US, depending on where the parts are purchased. The $50.00 price includes the necessary parts to build a do it yourself, on-board hydrogen system. Most quality hardware, automotive, and some department stores, stock all the necessary parts needed. There is at least one how-to DVD available, http://www.mileageman1.com, on the Internet that walks you through the process step by step.