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6 Retarded Gas Saving Schemes (People Are Actually Trying)
cracked.com — With gas prices skyrocketing and 65 payments left on the Escalade, America is looking for ways to cut back. In these desperate times we'll do whatever is necessary, as long as it doesn't involve driving less. Fortunately there are a number of fuel-saving alternatives that are easy, inexpensive, and completely idiotic. Such as ...
TalSiach- 3810 diggs
- digg it
- quii, on 07/14/2008, -8/+355Dugg for: "The second guy was obviously an authority on the subject by the way he adjusted his shorts before speaking."
- BoneStamp, on 07/14/2008, -1/+20That authority is confirmed when he says that you can see molecules in gasoline when you look at it on a slide under a microscope. The fact that the company name has the word "marketing" in it is the third warning... there's nothing wrong with that when your company's product is marketing, but since their product is supposed to be some fuel enhancer then you know all you're really buying is marketing.
- jnichols, on 07/14/2008, -0/+6OZZIE Freedom knows all
- tahcoboy, on 07/15/2008, -0/+2According to the website, this fuel gives you "the atomic power of Hydrogen" which means their pickle jar will do what science previously thought required a power plant.
- rz8472, on 07/14/2008, -0/+12They forgot about the good ol' punch a hole in the fuel tank and siphon off someone else's gas manually.
- expert01, on 07/14/2008, -0/+2They forgot the "performance chips" and "octane booster".
- fluxingtontheIV, on 07/15/2008, -0/+2No no, that actually works. doesnt belong on the list
- sphoony, on 07/14/2008, -5/+4That was the re-incarnation of Chris Farley doing his impersonation of Mike Ditka.
- Miamisun, on 07/15/2008, -0/+2Do not know why people are digging you down. I definitely see Ditka. Ditka. Ditka. Diiitka. Diiiiiitka.....
- DtotheC34, on 07/14/2008, -6/+1i live in a VAN down by the RIVER
- urbano35, on 07/15/2008, -1/+1God that site has so many capitalized letters and exclamation points.
www.water2gas.com
- RockNRollBeaver, on 07/14/2008, -14/+217Dugg for: Being an awesome article that was very entertaining to read.
- TheDeepFriar, on 07/14/2008, -2/+17isn't that the point?
- billbugger, on 07/14/2008, -0/+24hence the digg.
- danedrmr, on 07/14/2008, -0/+4And circle gets the square...
- herrferret, on 07/14/2008, -0/+7Yep, thats the point. However the point is so often missed.
Dugg for being 2 well written pages and not 12 advert filled click through time sinks.
- TheDeepFriar, on 07/14/2008, -2/+17isn't that the point?
- maeon3, on 07/14/2008, -1/+100I'm glad I can see and hear the ***** dripping off these kinds of websites and ideas. I truly feel sorry for the people who cannot see and hear it through lack of intelligence.
- humperdeath, on 07/14/2008, -1/+79I know you can buy a gas extender that you add to your gas tank. For every 1 gallon of gas, you add 1 gallon of the extender, and combined, you double your mileage, guaranteed. You can buy the gas extender at most gas stations, for about $4.50 a gallon.
- publiclurker, on 07/14/2008, -0/+14There are places in California where that would be a good deal.
- pintomp3, on 07/14/2008, -0/+35even if 99% of people know it's BS, 1% of the population is still a lot of sales. same reason for viagra spam.
- Stormwern, on 07/14/2008, -4/+15I'm pretty sure viagra isn't BS mate :)
- thebaron2, on 07/14/2008, -0/+23The point was that only 1% of the people targeted by said spam click a link or call a number, more than pays for the expenses.
- turtled28, on 07/15/2008, -0/+4brings to mind the flash ads that say something like "Click here for a Free Virus!" and about 15% of people clicked it.
Is that stupidity? curiosity? denial, as in, 'they won't really give me a virus, will they?'
I think some people are just gullible. - MogulKhan, on 07/15/2008, -1/+5Turtled28
Can you post information on this so called "virus."
I'd like to check it out.
- blackinthmiddle, on 07/14/2008, -2/+6I wouldn't call it a lack of intelligence. For example, if you don't know how an engine works, how is one supposed to know that a carburetor's job is to mix the air and fuel in the optimum proportions and something like the "Tornado Fuel Saver", at *best*, won't improve things?
Granted, you do research and when you hear nobody getting improvements from it, you don't buy it. But it's due to ignorance that many don't know the detailed workings of their car, not a lack of intelligence. That's a little harsh.- thebaron2, on 07/14/2008, -0/+24One problem, though, is that people tend to report improvements even when they don't see them. The article mentioned it briefly, but basically people have a tendency to want to convince themselves they didn't get ripped off and that they spent their money wisely.
See: console wars. - GeekyLotus, on 07/14/2008, -0/+13And most would also know that their cars don't have carburetors these days. Throttle body injection replaced carbs and multi-point injection is the norm now.
The tornado and its kind are silly because the air will have a whole different pattern by the time it is meeting with the fuel anyhow. The injector goes just upstream of the combustion chamber itself and by the time the air has gotten there, it has passed through the throttle body, and been split by the intake manifold and traveled down the manifold passages. Any influence of a device like the tornado will be long gone. All you get is restriction. - blackinthmiddle, on 07/14/2008, -0/+9GeekyLotus, didn't know about the carburetor being replaced. They still use them on lawn mowers, but obviously a lawn mower is not a car!
As to your second point, you're preaching to the choir. I agree and you agree that it's silly. However, if one doesn't realize that there's already a device in their car to mix the air and fuel to an optimum level, one can get fooled here. And as thebaron2 pointed out, maybe some will skew reviews and not be honest as to their real world results.
Bottom line, I stand by my initial statement. It's ignorance that will sucker some, not a lack of intelligence. Obviously, some of the suggestions would be pretty foolish to try/buy. But I doubt that the average person, for example, understands how electrolysis works. - Gizza, on 07/15/2008, -0/+4It is a lack of intelligence that causes ignorance to be a problem however. Anyone who is intelligent will realise when they are ignorant in a particular subject and will proceed to rectify that before taking action.
- grumpyrain, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1Not understanding the science is not where I see the evidence of lack of intelligence. Outside of digg, people do not claim to be experts in every field of knowledge. Whether someone understands what a carburetor does and indeed whether their car actually has one may influence my decision whether to trust them when speaking about cars, but it is not a good indicator of intelligence.
No, lack of intelligence is much simpler than that. Would the Toyota's, Honda's , VWs, GMs, and Fords of this world spend literally billions (each!) in bolstering their MPG by a small percentage when a device such as these could be made for a few dollars that achieve the same thing? Trust me, any of the above companies would buy the patents for tens of millions of dollars if it could be scientifically verified to work (and not cause reliability problems). The fact they are trying to flog it directly to consumers is evidence enough that it won't work.
- thebaron2, on 07/14/2008, -0/+24One problem, though, is that people tend to report improvements even when they don't see them. The article mentioned it briefly, but basically people have a tendency to want to convince themselves they didn't get ripped off and that they spent their money wisely.
- CAisBacK, on 07/15/2008, -3/+0Maybe there just blind or don't have a computer....
- Xeller, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1I've had some idiots come through my shop and ask me if they could save gas, and they (seriously) asked me about some of those products listed. When I tell them why it's a stupid idea, they laugh nervously and say "Yeah, that's what I thought."
No, you didn't think so, *****. - caborobo, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1BRICKED!
- humperdeath, on 07/14/2008, -1/+79I know you can buy a gas extender that you add to your gas tank. For every 1 gallon of gas, you add 1 gallon of the extender, and combined, you double your mileage, guaranteed. You can buy the gas extender at most gas stations, for about $4.50 a gallon.
- macweirdo42, on 07/14/2008, -5/+123God bless these people - doing the Lord's work, parting fools from their money. I'm honestly surprised we've made it this far as a species, given how utterly stupid some people are.
- TheUngod, on 07/14/2008, -1/+12Also try our EXTRA BIGASS TACO
- visceroth, on 07/14/2008, -1/+8Ha! We survived as a species because the more intelligent people setup safeguards for the more stupid people.
- doubleaught, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1For all intents and purposes natural selection among humans is no longer active (with the exception of darwin award candidates)
- RLovell, on 07/14/2008, -4/+207I love how Cracked can turn something everyday like this in to a awesome and witty two page article :)
- megamod, on 07/14/2008, -1/+47they could fit it all in one if they reallly wanted to =/
- MacEnvy, on 07/14/2008, -0/+45For a limited time only, I'm willing to sell them an html additive (at the bandwidth cost of just one extra web page per article) that will literally *double* their ad revenue!
- b33b3s, on 07/15/2008, -1/+2Thats why I fight back with Adblock
- RoflcopterFUEL, on 07/15/2008, -0/+5It's good material. I wouldn't mind them getting the revenue.
- Twenty, on 07/15/2008, -4/+2"Awesome and witty?" Really?
- megamod, on 07/14/2008, -1/+47they could fit it all in one if they reallly wanted to =/
- SickMonkey, on 07/14/2008, -63/+6The HHO gas generators do appear to work, but they are a lot more difficult to install and maintain than the hucksters who sell the kits lead you to believe. A good one can produce about 2 liters of gas per minute on about 20 amps of power taken from a cars alternator; excess power that would otherwise be wasted. The problem is that when the produced gas is injected into an air intake manifold, most oxygen sensors, not being able to sense the newly introduced HHO gas, will just inject more gasoline into the system to compensate for what they detect as a lean fuel mixture.
There is a device called an "EFIE" that can trick an oxygen sensor to run leaner which can be installed with considerable expense and technical expertise. Those who have done it successfully (and there are a lot of them) claim to get about 20% improved gas mileage. However, it does take a lot of money, time and technical skill to do successfully, and probably is not worth the expense at this point.
The HHO gas itself is about three times as combustible as gasoline, so it does make sense. Here are a couple videos showing just how highly combustible this HHO gas is for any doubters out there:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGU3W0WdnYM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyyfm8Slzes- Trax91, on 07/14/2008, -1/+33Great sales pitch!
- SickMonkey, on 07/14/2008, -6/+1I'm not selling anything. The technology is "open-source" if you have an interest and you can get the plans for free to build a much better cell than the ones the hucksters out there are trying to sell to people. Still, I doubt it will pay-off for anyone unless they just enjoy experimenting or have a background in engineering.
- ryan83189, on 07/14/2008, -0/+21There is no such thing as excess power coming from the alternator. It all come from the engine, that is why it is more efficient to turn the AC off etc.
- SickMonkey, on 07/14/2008, -11/+1Yes, there is. It is what is used to charge your battery. Whether your battery is fully charged or not, you alternator is still working.
I knew I'd get burried for this, but it does work. - screensnot, on 07/14/2008, -0/+9SickMonkey, you haven't a clue as to how an alternator works.
- doctechnical, on 07/14/2008, -0/+7Sickmonkey: Here's a experiment for you. Next time your car is warm and you're parked, let the engine idle. Now turn on the highbeams and listen to the change in the RPMs of the engine. Turn them back off, it returns to normal.
When you put a load on the electrical system, the alternator increases the load on the engine. There is no "free" energy the alternator is producing, none.
And here's something to ponder: if this actually worked, why isn't AAMCO, Midas, et al selling it as an upgrade? Because they'd be busted for fraud, that's why.
- SickMonkey, on 07/14/2008, -11/+1Yes, there is. It is what is used to charge your battery. Whether your battery is fully charged or not, you alternator is still working.
- LastDitchHero, on 07/14/2008, -1/+14You must really breath some toxic fumes to believe that garbage.
- ApokalypseNow, on 07/14/2008, -1/+21There's these little things called the Laws of Thermodynamics that you are ignoring here...
- SickMonkey, on 07/14/2008, -12/+1It has nothing to do with breaking the laws of thermodynamics because you are not getting more energy out than you are putting in. What you are getting is a highly combustible gas that acts as a catalyst to make gasoline burn more efficiently, just like an octane booster. Only 6.00% of the actual energy produced by an internal combustion engine is transferred to the wheels, so even a very small improvement in engine efficiency can bring pretty dramatic results in gas mileage. You don't have to believe me, just do a search on youtube and you'll see hundreds of different cells people have built in their garages and they all produce highly combustible gas with relatively little energy in. Nobody is claiming more energy out than in, they are just claiming improved efficiency over the hundred year old technology that is the internal combustion engine.
- doctechnical, on 07/14/2008, -0/+4My ass produces a highly combustible gas. What's your point? You have no clue how an alternator works, but you want me to take your mutterings about improving engine efficiency seriously?
And calling today's ICEs a year old technology is like calling your PC an new-fangled calculus.
As far as Youtube is concerned it is indeed a wonderful place to promote MLM ***** technology. Just like you're doing here on Digg.
- doctechnical, on 07/14/2008, -1/+32If you can actually recapture more energy from the hydrogen than you used up to generate it, then ***** pal, you've just thrown several centuries worth of science out the window. Soon the Nobel committee will be making up 6 new prizes, just to award to you. Steven Hawkings himself will be so impressed that he'll leap out of his wheelchair, walk over to you and offer a firm handshake while he congratulates you in dulcet tones. Indeed, the shade of Einstein himself will rise from the grave to haunt the halls of MIT for the next 99 years, banging his head against the walls and wailing "Why didn't *I* think of that?!?!"
In other words, you're a shilling *****. Go now, and darken not my Digg again.- SickMonkey, on 07/14/2008, -9/+1Sheesh... See my response above. Nobody is claiming to capture more energy than they are putting in. Why is everyone jumping to this stupid assumption?
They are claiming that they can boost an engine's efficiency by adding HHO gas as a booster. It works because the internal combustion engine is a very inefficient means for generating power. The best engines are only about 30% efficient, and of that energy, only about 6% gets transferred to the wheels as power. Even if it takes twice as much energy to generate the gas as it does to use it, it is still a great investment considering the fact that gas itself is three times as combustible as gasoline. You can also use other types of gases such as nitrous oxide and get the same kind of results. It's not magic and it certainly doesn't even bend the laws of thermodynamics. - screensnot, on 07/14/2008, -0/+7SickMonkey, the reason people are jumping on this idea is because it reeks of a huckster.
If it really works, their marketing dept. needs to be fired.
Why are they splitting the water under the hood? If they key to this idea is that adding a small amount of H to the combustion improves the efficiency, then why split the water using a very inefficient means (engine driving the alternator). You could simply add a tank of H to your car.
- SickMonkey, on 07/14/2008, -9/+1Sheesh... See my response above. Nobody is claiming to capture more energy than they are putting in. Why is everyone jumping to this stupid assumption?
- MacEnvy, on 07/14/2008, -2/+11"HHO gas" is hilarious. Seriously. HHO = H2O, you get that, right? We're talking about using electrolysis to break down water into hydrogen and oxygen.
It's amazing what some people will believe if it's told to them by a guy with a clipboard and labcoat.- 2reflective, on 07/14/2008, -3/+4Wrong. HHO is a gas consisting of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen in a 2:1 molar ratio.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HHO_Gas
One molecule of water has two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to a single oxygen atom.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water - MacEnvy, on 07/14/2008, -0/+6I think we're on the same team, 2reflective. My point is that this "HHO gas" is not some newly-discovered secret covered up by the government, as is claimed by these shysters and eaten up by New Age idiots, it's just water disassociated into component gases.
- screensnot, on 07/15/2008, -0/+2But, if you call it "Browne's Gas", it is much more mythical. Then you'd understand that the energy it contains will baffle a traditional physicist.
- 2reflective, on 07/14/2008, -3/+4Wrong. HHO is a gas consisting of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen in a 2:1 molar ratio.
- HonestAbe, on 07/14/2008, -1/+8You fail high school science class.
- InActionJackson, on 07/14/2008, -0/+4in theory, yes you can make hydrogen and oxygen from water through electrolysis but in order for that to affect the efficiency and power of the engine you need between 5-15% of your fuel to be hydrogen. to make that much hydrogen through electrolysis you would need 200-1000amps at 13.6 volts depending on the efficiency of the electrolizer and the amount of fuel your car uses. the problem is that the alternator in most cars only makes 60-150amps at 13.6 volts and that's only if the engine is revving really high, and most of that power is used to run the car's electronics. and on top of all that you would need to modify the timing to take advantage of hydrogen's faster burning rate...next time you want to make crazy claims actually do the research, otherwise you just sound like an idiot. and if you really want to save gas just buy a small stick shift car, shift before 3,000rpm, don't go above 65mph, and use your gearing to slow you down instead of brakes (the engine cuts fuel delivery if you down shift and don't use the gas pedal but it still uses gas to keep the car running if your just in nuetral with the brakes on)
- Davoidbot, on 07/15/2008, -1/+1 On the subject of a car using water as a fuel, I've heard stories of people who successfully did it, but they didn't have to use any other fuel. What I heard was that they passed an electric current through water to split it up into hydrogen and oxygen then used both as a fuel, not only the hydrogen.
I'm not sure if this is true though. Please tell me if I am wrong.- HonestAbe, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1You are wrong when you say "using water as a fuel". This is why they get away with scamming people like this.
You can certainly convert water into hydrogen and oxygen, and you can certainly burn the hydrogen to power a car. (Doesn't matter whether you burn it in air or use the oxygen that you generated; it will burn either way.) The reason this is a scam is because CONVERTING WATER INTO HYDROGEN IS NOT FREE. It takes more energy to break the water into H and O than you get by burning the H and O back into water vapor.
- HonestAbe, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1You are wrong when you say "using water as a fuel". This is why they get away with scamming people like this.
- Trax91, on 07/14/2008, -1/+33Great sales pitch!
- AchaIemoipas, on 07/14/2008, -7/+264There are some real ways to add some MPG: just pour some sugar in your gas tank.
Alt + F4 to unlock cheats!- billbugger, on 07/14/2008, -3/+34[Apple] + Q on macs
- alex7575, on 07/14/2008, -0/+16Sweet, it works on macs too?
- IanPR, on 07/14/2008, -0/+3Not as cool as the windows version.
Whats the only thing that Q could represent? - upchucknorris1, on 07/14/2008, -0/+1Qwnage? It pwns by a whole letter more.
http://www.jinx.com/men/shirts/video_games/qwnage. ... - CAisBacK, on 07/15/2008, -0/+0haha i see what you did (a little too late)
Dude how do i fix it now
- doctechnical, on 07/14/2008, -0/+47Don't do it folks! Sugar in granular form will clog your engine! Use liquid Kayro instead. Remember what ethanol is made of - sugar!
- PabloMac, on 07/14/2008, -0/+37Whew! That was close!
- Kryptonitfusion, on 07/14/2008, -5/+1i thought sugar just sits at the bottom...besides gas passes through a filter before entering the engine. also if it does get to the engine it burns up and leaves through the exhaust.
- dorkino, on 07/15/2008, -1/+5It'll clog up yo ***** fuel filter
- SonnyW, on 07/14/2008, -22/+3Ah yes, the Alt + F4 unlocks cheats trick. I fell for it shortly after first using a computer while playing Diablo 1 online.
Random guy: "press alt and F4 for cheats!!!11 Do it"
Me: (Yeah right it probably activates a virus or something)
(No wait, a simple press of keys probably couldn't do that, no way)
*Successfully presses alt + F4 after 3 tries*
"Crap! I swear to make a thousand people make the same mistake I did, even if it's the last thing I'll ever do!"
Also, press alt + shift + F4 to bring up a full list of the easter eggs in Firefox. Srsly.- d1a1s1, on 07/14/2008, -4/+20Buried for trying too hard.
- dagnome1984, on 07/14/2008, -0/+1:o
- Stormwern, on 07/14/2008, -1/+27Delete your windows folder, it only takes up space anyway.
- PabloMac, on 07/14/2008, -1/+19Choose your reply:
"I did that years ago, and now I get much more mileage from my computers."
- or -
"What is this "Windows folder" you speak of?" - sonicjosh, on 07/15/2008, -0/+0Why do I need that boot.ini file anyway?
- Zdax, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1If you delete system32 it makes your computer run a lot faster! Try spraying some WD40 on the motherboard too!
- TheMidnight, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1I see you waxin' your modem, tryin' to make it go faster
- PabloMac, on 07/14/2008, -1/+19Choose your reply:
- tikidrummer928, on 07/14/2008, -1/+1while your at all of this just go ahead and have so one kick you in the nuts (or vagina) really hard.
- highPhone, on 07/14/2008, -1/+1Kipkay says a lil pure acetone will to the trick too.
good luck, we're all counting on you - joegibes, on 07/15/2008, -2/+4Press F10 for class select menu (TF2).
- bubut, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1They got rid of it in CS, not sure about TF2. Boy that sure was fun while it lasted.
"Hey, how do I equip grenades?"
"F10 top open console, "
>> stupidnoob has left the server (disconnect by client)
** 2 minutes later **
"OMFG YOU F*CKING *****"
- bubut, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1They got rid of it in CS, not sure about TF2. Boy that sure was fun while it lasted.
- jamesrouse, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1deltree *.* from the C: prompt is a fun one too.
- SolidSnak, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1Using ubuntu? All games when using Wine have cheats enabled with the simple key combination crl+alt+f1 !!!!
oh who am I kidding.... linux users don't fall for this crap.... - pond70, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1rm *.* new apple Snow Leopard feature in the command line ..it's will be awesome
- dafunkmonster, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1For super torque and ultimate drag racing performance, use half a bottle of Clorox. (It will break down contaminants in the gasoline, making your engine burn less fuel overall)
- billbugger, on 07/14/2008, -3/+34[Apple] + Q on macs
- irishjays, on 07/14/2008, -5/+37Ozzie Freedom 08'
- Tehrab, on 07/14/2008, -1/+7To take on Big Oil, you have to have massive, orbit-effecting, steel balls clanking between your legs. Which also explains where he gets the nerve to actually try and sell this kit.
- WELLDOITLIVE, on 07/14/2008, -0/+8FUEL you can HAVE FAITH in
- thebaron2, on 07/14/2008, -0/+5Fuel efficiency we can believe in!
- WiretapStudios, on 07/14/2008, -1/+10Yes We (pickle) Can!
- wogfella, on 07/15/2008, -1/+1Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie!!1 (oh come on, you aussies)
I love the "Brown Gas" HHO in vapour form on the website....H2O in vapour form? Let me think...where have I heard that before?- Asheis, on 07/15/2008, -1/+1um, steam. GOSH.
lol ;)
- Asheis, on 07/15/2008, -1/+1um, steam. GOSH.
- DeskFlyer, on 07/14/2008, -2/+53The reason why the Tornado is ***** is because the most efficient way to move air quickly through any internal combustion engine is in a straight line relative whatever channel it is moving through. By introducing something that will swirl the air as it enters the engine you are simply introducing turbulence, which is unwanted in power generation. Take a jet engine for example; yeah there's a huge fan in front that will pull air into the engine and inevitably twist it, but there is also stator vanes directly behind the fans blades that are there to straighten out the air flow before it enters the hot section (and it helps straighten the bypass air out too). When you mess up the air flow, you get a compressor stall like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D5AqAxE330
- aeiou, on 07/14/2008, -11/+4Not completely true... The principle that they're trying to use works, but the implementation doesn't. What you want is a turbocharger. A turbo, as long as you aren't in too much boost, will atomize the air and you will get a better, more efficient burn leading to better gas mileage. This is the principle behind Ford's new "ecoboost" engines.
- doctechnical, on 07/14/2008, -0/+15WTF? Are there two different definitions of turbocharger? The one I had on my car used the exhaust pressure to turn one turbine which was coupled to a second turbine that pressurized the intake stream, push more air into the cylinders allowing you to BURN MORE GASOLINE. It gave you more power, but I don't think it improved efficiency a whit.
It made a cool sound as it wound up, though. - HonestAbe, on 07/14/2008, -1/+14"will atomize the air"? Uh huh.
- itspuddingtime, on 07/14/2008, -0/+3atomize the FUEL you should have said
- Brian48216, on 07/14/2008, -0/+5wow...that was epic fail on your part.
Ford's ecoboost doesn't work in any way that you describe it.
Ecoboost is Mazda's DISI (direct injection spark ignition) where there is no fuel air mixture on the intake stroke. Only air is taken in on the intake stroke and at the point of compression, high pressure fuel is sprayed into the combustion chamber and the sparkplug ignites the whole thing.
The turbocharger in the ecoboost works like every other turbocharger. Exhaust spins a turbine which COMPRESSES AIR, and ONLY AIR so that you can stuff more of it into the cylinder on the intake stroke. The DISI would then inject more fuel into the chamber since there's more air to burn (stoichiometric ratios of air::fuel) so that all the available O2 and fuel will be used in the most efficient manner possible.
The reason for the turbo is so that you can have higher engine power with less of the weight of a 6 or 8 cylinder engine. - sp3kter, on 07/14/2008, -1/+1i was under the impression that through thermo dynamics the air was cooled to a much lower temperature when it was released into the engine after being under pressure, so the air is more dense (cold air is more dense than hot air) and has more oxygen in it which allows you to burn more fuel. the same concept with NO2. it goes into the engine at an extremely cold temperature and therefore contains higher levels of oxygen.
the more oxygen the more fuel can be burnt at one time?
- doctechnical, on 07/14/2008, -0/+15WTF? Are there two different definitions of turbocharger? The one I had on my car used the exhaust pressure to turn one turbine which was coupled to a second turbine that pressurized the intake stream, push more air into the cylinders allowing you to BURN MORE GASOLINE. It gave you more power, but I don't think it improved efficiency a whit.
- haikuFU, on 07/14/2008, -1/+8That may be the most efficient way to MOVE the air, but it's not the most efficient way to burn it. I'm not defending these guys, this thing is a total gimmick. However, a swirling vortex of fuel/air does burn more efficiently. I took the "tornado" looking thing out of my MAPP gas torch to see what would happen, and it wasn't nearly as hot and it burned out quite a bit.
The problem with the tornado thing, is all of the "vortexy" type stuff is gone by the time the air works it's way through all of the piping, throttle body, intake manifold, and valves. And even if it did make it that far, the compression stroke on the engine would surely stop it from "swirling".- DeskFlyer, on 07/14/2008, -0/+2OK you are correct in that regard; I was mainly just hitting on the air delivery system to whereever the fuel is introduced.
- Halsfield, on 07/15/2008, -1/+0yes THAT is why its *****, not the fact that its a "fan" made out of super thin aluminum that does nothing. you thought about this way too much.
- aeiou, on 07/14/2008, -11/+4Not completely true... The principle that they're trying to use works, but the implementation doesn't. What you want is a turbocharger. A turbo, as long as you aren't in too much boost, will atomize the air and you will get a better, more efficient burn leading to better gas mileage. This is the principle behind Ford's new "ecoboost" engines.
- SulkyGirl, on 07/14/2008, -13/+54I am so confused as to why people seem to think they should be able drive as much as they want, in whatever vehicle they want, for next to nothing. As if cheap gas and SUV-ownership were their birthright.
Drive less, earn more, or do some combination of the two. And if one of these rolling-stop, truck-hugging hypermilers "rolls" into the side of my car at some point, I will be exercising my God-given right to punch him in the balls.- ExRe, on 07/14/2008, -4/+8I'd like to see higher gas prices for just that reason.
- r3s0p, on 07/14/2008, -1/+10Everybody underestimates a kick to the groin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3K-mrlYG7Y- Gizza, on 07/15/2008, -0/+4I would think that no male ever in the history of mankind has ever underestimated a kick in the groin.
- doctechnical, on 07/14/2008, -12/+14Wait! I hear the desperate cry of a tree that needs a hug! Get right on that, would you?
/damn hippies- foofightrs777, on 07/14/2008, -1/+4Can you read or do you just like to put words in people's mouths?
- SulkyGirl, on 07/14/2008, -0/+3Doc, is this directed at me? If so, you appear to be confused. Maybe try reading my comment again.
- etherreal, on 07/14/2008, -6/+4You make no sense. On the one hand, you diss on gas-guzzling SUV drivers, and then on the other, you blast fuel-sipping hypermilers. Which is it?
*Note: I carpool AND hypermile a fully paid off Honda Civic. Gone from 36 MPG to 43 MPG with very minor changes. My goal is to get 50MPG with a homemade scangauge.- SulkyGirl, on 07/14/2008, -1/+14What? I'm not "dissing on" gas-guzzling SUV drivers. I'm annoyed with gas-guzzling SUV drivers who bitch and moan about how expensive gas is, as if it has an absolute value. It doesn't.
As for hypermilers, many of them are driving dangerously in an effort to save small amounts of gas, i.e. money. That is my problem with them. If they want to spend less money on gas (or conserve natural resources) they should figure out ways to drive less, not tailgate trucks, brake and coast bizarrely and erratically, and roll through stop signs.
You ask "which is it?" like I have to make a choice. I can (and do) find them both irritating.
- SulkyGirl, on 07/14/2008, -1/+14What? I'm not "dissing on" gas-guzzling SUV drivers. I'm annoyed with gas-guzzling SUV drivers who bitch and moan about how expensive gas is, as if it has an absolute value. It doesn't.
- BoonTobias, on 07/14/2008, -5/+59Hypermilers say these death-defying maneuvers can more than double total fuel economy (this guy claims to get 59 MPG out of a regular old Honda Accord). Though it seems like they could raise that exponentially with the addition of a simple rope and grappling hook.
hahahahahhaha- CedEx, on 07/14/2008, -0/+14Hmm... you may be on to something with the rope and grappling hook.
- tHePeOPle, on 07/14/2008, -2/+15I've been trying some of the hypermiling techniques with great results. More than 10mpg savings on average. Plus, I'm not a dick about it on the road.
No, I don't ***** turn my car off or blow stop signs, but I do draft at a safe distance behind larger vehicles and coast whenever possible. If you're in doubt about that, look up the Myth Busters episode on it. It really works very well, and it is possible to do it safely.
From what I've noticed with trying this stuff is that hypermiling requires full attention on the road at all times. These guys pay attention to everything, in order to minimize momentum loss. Cell phone talkers people in a hurry are far more likely to be in an accident than these guys.- Alphax45, on 07/14/2008, -0/+5I agree. The Mythbusters on this was very well done. Although they did also prove the best fuel savings are deadly close; and once your closer than six feet the savings are nothing because you are too nervous and have to gas/brake too much.
- Fozefy, on 07/15/2008, -0/+2I agree completely. I've been trying some of these things as well. I generally drive a manual transmission, and its amazing how far you can coast without losing too much speed, I'll generally throw it in neutral about a km before my next stop (80km/h roads) and I get to a stop sign at relativity the same time as the guy who guns it then slams on their brakes with 100m left.
Its also as you say, safer because if your trying to figure out when your next stop is so that you can coast to it, you're paying more attention than if you're not.
- ChileanGoD, on 07/14/2008, -2/+2From that part of the article..
"It turns out your engine is responsible for more than just spinning your wheels and burning gas. In most cars it also provides power to small things like your steering and brakes."
Well, if by some bad luck your car's electric generator and battery die simultaneously you will still be able to break and steer because these systems are AIDED and not driven by electric systems. There will always be a mechanical component linking you to your cars safety systems. They will be harder to action but they will be there. Oh.. and if the mafia that wants to kill you also cuts the pipes of break liquid then the hand break will be your last resort... unless they cut that wire too... then you're ***** for real.- digggggggggg, on 07/14/2008, -1/+2Still, when it comes time to swerve or brake hard, the assist of power braking and steering won't be there, and that can really throw some people off. Moreover, the vast majority of power steering systems nowadays don't rely on electrical systems. They rely on a negative feedback loop which draws power from engine revs through hydraulic lines. So, yeah, the assist won't be there if your engine is off, regardless of the condition of your electricals.
Back in my old non-power steering, non-brake assist accord, the steering wheel turned 6 times in each direction, and to stop fast you literally had to stand on the brake pedal. Modern cars usually have a 2 turn or 1 and a half turn in each direction. This makes them very hard to steer without the power steering assist.
- digggggggggg, on 07/14/2008, -1/+2Still, when it comes time to swerve or brake hard, the assist of power braking and steering won't be there, and that can really throw some people off. Moreover, the vast majority of power steering systems nowadays don't rely on electrical systems. They rely on a negative feedback loop which draws power from engine revs through hydraulic lines. So, yeah, the assist won't be there if your engine is off, regardless of the condition of your electricals.
- noahgelman, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1Hookshot
- Mudger, on 07/14/2008, -3/+1701: Buy a syphon.
2: Syphon gas into a bucket.- AnarkeIncarnate, on 07/14/2008, -11/+2Get a helmet........... put on the damn helmet
- beersnob, on 07/14/2008, -0/+39U forgot 3. Pour gas into YOUR gas tank!
- Chalks777, on 07/14/2008, -12/+53. ...
4. Profit.
/that guy- cJw314, on 07/14/2008, -0/+7Get yer ass beat for stealing gas outta my car.
>. - Chalks777, on 07/14/2008, -0/+4>.<
& l t ;
without spaces.
- cJw314, on 07/14/2008, -0/+7Get yer ass beat for stealing gas outta my car.
- MysticSavage, on 07/14/2008, -1/+801. Cut a hole in a box.
2. Put your junk in that box.- MxM111, on 07/15/2008, -1/+43. Start talking to the companion cube.
- kingvik, on 07/15/2008, -0/+2Now what?
- haikuFU, on 07/14/2008, -4/+25About 20 years ago, my friend had a 100 gallon fuel tank for refueling tractors in the back of his pickup. The pump was a crank operated one, and it would go both ways. He used to just pull up to cars on the street, stick the hose in their gas tank, and empty the tank in about 45 seconds. I don't think he EVER paid for gas, and he filled his friend's tanks for them all the time.
- WiretapStudios, on 07/14/2008, -0/+3That's real ultimate power.
- jonshipman, on 07/14/2008, -1/+37p2p gas?
Too bad his buddies probably leached, what he needed was some good peers and seeders. - mrswirl, on 07/14/2008, -0/+28My crank goes both ways too...just don't tell my wife, okay?
- digggggggggg, on 07/14/2008, -0/+5This is why most cars nowadays have gas caps with a locking cover.
- budsstud26, on 07/15/2008, -1/+10Yeah, stealing is awesome!
***** your friend.
- Mothrog, on 07/15/2008, -4/+43. Get caught stealing gas.
4. Pay hospital bill for broken bones. - socokoolaid, on 07/15/2008, -0/+14. Run off before you neighbor sees you messing with his car.
- 1timeuser, on 07/15/2008, -2/+4479. Turn the octopus clockwise.
- h0ms4r, on 07/15/2008, -1/+33. ???
4. Profit!
- TreatsTheBear, on 07/14/2008, -26/+18Doesn't drafting on a semi with your engine off necessarily reduce the semi's efficiency? You don't move a car without using some energy.
That sounds less like environmentalism and more like just stealing.- billbugger, on 07/14/2008, -2/+37and they REALLY don't like it. Plus you have to be very close to actually feel the effects and all it takes is a light tap on the truck's brakes for you to end up like this:
http://rofl.wheresthebeef.co.uk/Corvette%20vs%20Se ...- renegadeafk, on 07/14/2008, -0/+8that should have been the picture in the cracked article lmao.
- sweetwater88, on 07/14/2008, -0/+5You can see the drivers left arm in the picture.
- TheMidnight, on 07/15/2008, -0/+3Well, that disproves all the idiots at the bar who keep telling me my Corvette can go under a semi. Maybe that pic will shut them up.
- freakygeeky, on 07/14/2008, -12/+5You're kidding, right?
Besides, it's only stealing if you're drafting in a black car. It's best if your car is white, because then more photos are reflected back to the semi to help push it along. - humperdeath, on 07/14/2008, -0/+38Actually, there is no effect on the semi's mileage, as they are producing this wake of turbulence anyway. Of course, the truck drivers still dont like you to do this. It is VERY dangerous.
- TreatsTheBear, on 07/14/2008, -10/+2That sounds plausible, but it also sounds like you're just saying that without having actually tested it. Anybody know if anybody trust worthy (probably not a self proclaimed hypermiler) has tested this?
- pakruse, on 07/14/2008, -0/+10@TreatsTheBear
Mythbusters tested it.
You see a slight improvement, but you have to be suicidally close to the semi's bumper to notice a difference.
Save a few pennies a week by riding three feet from the back of a semi? No thanks. - CedEx, on 07/14/2008, -0/+6@ TreatsTheBear...
Of course it's plausible, you can see drafting in effect in every form of motor racing. Those auto engineers are pretty trustworthy to have designed and tested for this effect.
They draft to save fuel, or even in the Tour De France, the racers draft to save energy. - centran, on 07/14/2008, -0/+8@TreatsTheBear
as pakruse said Mythbusters tested it. You know who else tested it? NASCAR.
Drafting is proven to work... however, on a regular interstate with unpredictable drivers and too many variables, it is suicidal to attempt. - screensnot, on 07/15/2008, -0/+3I remember Mythbusters saying that you can get a huge difference if you are willing to get "suicidally close", or you get a smaller, but noticeable difference at a reasonable distance back (reasonable is subjective, of course).
I would like to add that "suicidally close" is a bit sensationalist. Just about any other vehicle will out-brake a semi. Your reaction time is the important factor. But, even if the semi stops as quickly as he can, he can't create a very large difference in speed between the two of you. So, if you hit him, you aren't going to splat yourself all over his trailer. - humperdeath, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1No, no splat against the trailer, just chop your head off as you go under.
- TreatsTheBear, on 07/15/2008, -1/+1Obviously drafting works when two cars have their engines on. I'm not retarded. I was talking about when one car shuts its engine down. Humperdeath is claiming that it gets towed along, basically for free. His evidence for his claim is that it's obviously true because drafting exists. My arguments against his claim are: I don't think anybody's ever tested it, according to the laws of thermodynamics you can't do more work (pulling a car) without spending more energy (burning gas - and yes I know it's possible that the work done on the car is less than the work done on the air displaced by the truck without the car, I just think it's far from a given) and finally, if it was free to tow a car behind a truck, the trucking companies would probably already be doing it.
That's what I was asking. Mythbusters didn't test that and neither did NASCAR.
I know nobody's going to respond now because I've been dugg down by hypermiler zealots, but seriously...
/rant - screensnot, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1That's because you can't actually shut off your engine and get sucked along by a semi. That's a myth (wet dream) that the hypermilers masturbate to.
- burnfromwithin, on 07/14/2008, -1/+12Actually, you are giving a slight efficiency gain to the vehicle you are drafting behind. Drag isn't just produced from the front, but also from the rear when air has to move quickly to occupy the 'space' your vehicle just left. Of course, the gain for the vehicle you are drafting is EXTREMELY negligible, but it still does exist.
- jhourcle, on 07/14/2008, -2/+4I don't know about the issues of a semi+car, where you're dealing with two significantly different sizes, but in the case of equal sized vehicles, it can actually HELP the lead vehicle if someone is drafting, as they share the total drag between them, reducing the effective drag on both vehicles.
- davidlitts, on 07/14/2008, -1/+3Who is digging this guy up, so wrong, so very wrong.
- TreatsTheBear, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1How do you know I'm wrong? Show me the experiment where a semi's mileage is unaffected by a car drafting behind it with its engine off.
Everybody thinks just because they've watched a few nascar races they can predict aerodynamic properties of a station wagon following a semi at 65 mph.
It MIGHT be possible for a truck to pull a car for free, but you're just guessing and stating it as fact.
Are we even sure it's possible to be towed by a semi with your engine off just by turbulence? Have you done it? I haven't. - davidlitts, on 07/15/2008, -0/+2the truck doesn't pull the car
- TreatsTheBear, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1How do you know I'm wrong? Show me the experiment where a semi's mileage is unaffected by a car drafting behind it with its engine off.
- HonestAbe, on 07/14/2008, -1/+2I think it would actually improve the semi's efficiency. Dragging a giant box though the air with a flat rear end turbulent region behind it is not good.
- WiretapStudios, on 07/14/2008, -0/+2You have to be so close to the trailer that he can barely see you, and you can't see *****...going 60-80+MPH. Sounds like an awesome plan to me.
- ChileanGoD, on 07/14/2008, -1/+1It has to do with you not loosing your momentum rather than powering your vehicle.
- digggggggggg, on 07/14/2008, -1/+1So, if I walk right behind you, I'm stealing your energy. So sue me.
- justinalfred, on 07/14/2008, -3/+0who cares about the damn semi, save $$$
- southwestnut, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1Drafting of a semi with the engine off is not smart, but I have noticed the engine will run with less load close up to the semi trailer. I base that off my vaccum gauge in my car, at 55mph the car is running at 13 inHg vacuum, when I tailgate, the vacuum rises to 17 inHg. In a nutshell, the car does not have to work so hard to overcome aerodynamic drag, and thus gets slightly better mileage, but it is dumb to follow that close. I am student RN and have seen firsthand in that hospital what car wrecks can do......
- dafunkmonster, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1Actually, by drafting the semi, you're taking advantage of the fact that the semi creates a pocket of air behind it, as well as reducing what would be turbulent flow around the car to a more laminar flow.
- billbugger, on 07/14/2008, -2/+37and they REALLY don't like it. Plus you have to be very close to actually feel the effects and all it takes is a light tap on the truck's brakes for you to end up like this:
- chrissku, on 07/14/2008, -11/+98The people who crack me up are the ones who put $10 at a time into there car and think they are somehow saving money.
- pintomp3, on 07/14/2008, -0/+62sadly, that used to be a fill up.
- Pimpalicious316, on 07/14/2008, -0/+32My dad. He refuses to let it get below half a tank, because somehow putting in $40/week is better than $80 every 2 weeks.
- doctechnical, on 07/14/2008, -0/+19In Ye Olden Daze it used to make sense to have a full tank, because a full tank wouldn't evaporate as fast as a half-full one (and gasoline really, really wants to evaporate). Nowadays with those vapor recovery doo-dads I guess it wouldn't really make a difference.
- CedEx, on 07/14/2008, -2/+8Or another idea is that he's not hauling around an extra $40 worth of fuel for a week, thereby saving weight.
- Brian48216, on 07/14/2008, -0/+22I think he sees it as an investment. It's cheaper to fill half a tank at $4.00, then it is to fill a full tank at $4.09 next week.
- YoshinoAiki, on 07/14/2008, -0/+2My dad did the same thing but he claimed it was because you get increased efficiency with a full tank rather than sucking down the dregs left in the bottom of your tank.
- chaosblade77, on 07/14/2008, -0/+1It has something to do with the speed gas evaporates or something. I'm not claiming it works, but I know there is some sort of theory behind it.
- sammykrupa, on 07/14/2008, -5/+19Well, they are actually saving money. Less spent on gas=more in the bank earning interest.
- Physicsmazz, on 07/14/2008, -0/+23=wasted time stopping at a gas station every day.
- teethandeyes, on 07/14/2008, -2/+16People that can only afford to put $10 at a time in the tank probably do not have a savings account
- SuperCow1127, on 07/15/2008, -0/+5What do you think increases in value faster: gasoline, or dollars in a savings account?
- AnarkeIncarnate, on 07/14/2008, -0/+61So hauling around more fuel is somehow going to be beneficial for mileage? Any fuel you are not using is now weight to be carried.
- SuperCow1127, on 07/15/2008, -1/+7Gas is cheaper now than it will be next week.
- nihilante, on 07/14/2008, -6/+0Here car.
- Sagags, on 07/14/2008, -0/+35they are, less gas = less weight = more millage = less gas = less money
its science- cJw314, on 07/14/2008, -11/+1I think you many be wrong; don't I remember reading that you get better gas mileage with more gas in your tank? The last half of the tank doesn't allow the engine to perform as efficiently... or somesuch.
I read it on teh internet. - dorkino, on 07/15/2008, -0/+2I read this on the internet and am equally less intelligent now.
- Speedraca, on 07/15/2008, -0/+0I love how less gas is both the first and fourth steps.
- cJw314, on 07/14/2008, -11/+1I think you many be wrong; don't I remember reading that you get better gas mileage with more gas in your tank? The last half of the tank doesn't allow the engine to perform as efficiently... or somesuch.
- centran, on 07/14/2008, -0/+10as others have stated. less weight means you are more efficient.
Another reason to only put $10 in... maybe you need to make into the suburbs where gas is cheaper. Maybe you are filling up on the weekends(prices raise friday and fall monday) - footfwd, on 07/14/2008, -0/+2If i'm going to my cabin i will fill up a little bit then fill again about 50 miles out of the city, it saves a lot of gas actually. I drive a gas monster olds Aurora, so just getting that thing to go off of a green takes some energy,
add 50 extra liters and you can hear the gas draining. - jakefloyd, on 07/15/2008, -0/+3Actually filling up as much as you can everytime will save you money because prices are only going to go up tomorrow!
yay. - Fozefy, on 07/15/2008, -0/+2Hey, I share a car with my sister so I just put in what I use. Otherwise she'll just mooch off all my gas. So yes actually, it does save me money putting a little in at a time ;)
- mrASSMAN, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1Uh yeah.. I always keep my tank low, no need to carry extra weight unless you're going on a long trip or anticipate being in heavy traffic. I think it's stupid to fill your tank to the top, waste of gas.
- gilbert42989, on 07/15/2008, -0/+2People who do this waste more gas by going to the gas station more often because of unnecessary idling.
- chris8535, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1I only put in 35$ at a time for two weeks of driving in order to limit myself for budgeting purposes. Its an easy way to make sure I don't waste gas.
It may sound dumb to you guys, and I don't believe I'm saving any actual physical gas... its just my way of budgeting myself. - PsychoticX, on 07/15/2008, -1/+0Running your gas that low ($10 is only 2.5 gal these days) will destroy your fuel pump. The pump uses the fuel to cool itself.
Weight is an issue, but don't think you're gonna stumble upon some amazing new technique that EVERY major auto maker seemed to miss.
1 gallon of gasoline equals 5.8 to 6.5 lb. even on a full tank for a mid size car to a half tank you're only losing 45 lbs (-7 gal) at most.
- chukd, on 07/14/2008, -2/+76My personal favorite is the auto shops offering Nitrogen filling of peoples tires. They charge like $50 to clean out that bad air in your tires and fill it with pure nitrogen. Yet, the sheep fall for this raping of their wallet.
- lisaawesome, on 07/14/2008, -0/+19That was just on the news the other night! I liked that one auto repair shop they spoke with would only use nitrogen and then another one was like pffft we looked into and it was a rip off. I had never heard of using N before in tires but I can guarantee I am not paying to fill my tires up when I can get it done for free.
- CedEx, on 07/14/2008, -0/+15Given that air is about 80% N... I think we're ok.
- krische, on 07/14/2008, -0/+72I take it the average person doesn't know that everyday air is already like 70% Nitrogen?
- renegadeafk, on 07/14/2008, -1/+2680%
- doctechnical, on 07/14/2008, -0/+41Closer to 78%. That's what I remember from grade school at least...
[clickity click]
...and Wikipedia says 78.08 so near as damn it.
- ExRe, on 07/14/2008, -4/+26There is a bit of a difference. Using pure nitrogen in your tires is better then plain air. Definitely not worth the price for most usage, but it does give _some_ benefits.
- jbmcb, on 07/14/2008, -1/+43Yes, it helps a lot when you are going 160MPH on a NASCAR track or Formula 1 circuit, or in a space shuttle.
It doesn't help out that much in your Camry. - BOFH2, on 07/14/2008, -0/+6Not for you and the average commuter. Pull your head out and buy a tire gauge and a pump and check your tires once a week.
- satanatnmtedu, on 07/15/2008, -1/+3No. There isn't. Hell, the nitrogen molecules are the ones that diffuse out first. So, you are filling your tires with something that you will have to replace sooner than regular air. BUT, even if there was a slight difference, would it really save you more than $50 in gas? Nope. Would save you at least $50 in gas? Nope. It is a scam.
- jbmcb, on 07/14/2008, -1/+43Yes, it helps a lot when you are going 160MPH on a NASCAR track or Formula 1 circuit, or in a space shuttle.
- BoneheadFarker, on 07/14/2008, -3/+11While the price is outrageous, there is actual science behind using pure nitrogen gas in tires. These ideas, for the most part, have science working against them...
- satanatnmtedu, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1What ideas are those? Nitrogen escapes faster because it is a smaller molecule than the oxygen molecule. You definitely don't want pure oxygen due to an increase in a fire hazard. But, the reasoning put forth are such slight effects that the trade offs are not worth it unless you are in extreme environments. and, even then, it is likely not worth it either.
- BoneheadFarker, on 07/15/2008, -1/+1@satanatnmtedu
Um...no. Nitrogen is large then oxygen, so it will leak slower. And it's less sensitive to temperature change. Not to mention that oxygen is pretty damn nasty. At least do a little research...
- doctechnical, on 07/14/2008, -1/+5I've heard of people using helium in their tires, on the assumption it makes them lighter. I guess there's some merit to that (hell, if you can fly your lawnchair on it...) but I'd have to imagine it would leak out toot sweet.
- NJank, on 07/14/2008, -0/+16oooohhh... and hydrogen is even lighter! I'll try that next. Hindenburg 2 here i come!
- BOFH2, on 07/14/2008, -0/+10watch the mythbusters football filled with helium episode and apply that knowledge to the tire thing. Not worth the money.
- CedEx, on 07/14/2008, -0/+8I can't wait to see you do a burn out!
- InsaneOni, on 07/14/2008, -0/+12The only time it makes sense to use pure N2 for filling tires is for race cars. The reason being that N2 is dry and thus won't lead to condensation inside the tires and will result in better and more consistent tire temps. On a road car...who cares? I hope no one on the road is driving hard enough to be overheating their tires.
- haikuFU, on 07/14/2008, -1/+9Pfft, I use helium in my tires to make them lighter.
- dorkino, on 07/15/2008, -1/+2I took my tires off their rims to reduce weight. Now I just roll around on my rims. I never have to put air in my tires again!
- jstem1994, on 07/14/2008, -0/+3That's big on the radio here. They say the molecules are bigger & won't leak out... X-D
- z28hokie, on 07/15/2008, -0/+2Nitrogen fills are actually beneficial. Less breakdown of the tire compound from the inside due to oxidation and condensed water as well as more stable tire pressures regardless of outside temperature.
Paying $50 to have it done is garbage; but many shops I know simply include a nitrogen fill as part of mounting/balancing as standard practice- prices haven't changed (at least at the two shops I know pricing from). It also decreases their liability- if the shop fills the tire during the winter or hot summer by giving a nitrogen fill there is less of a chance the pressure will change dramatically from season to season resulting in tire damage or a blowout because the stupid vehicle owner never checks his/her own tires.
I also swear by nitrogen fills in the car I race- its great to be able to set tire pressures and experience far less variation as they heat up.- doubleaught, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1^^ best comment of this subthread
- lisaawesome, on 07/14/2008, -0/+19That was just on the news the other night! I liked that one auto repair shop they spoke with would only use nitrogen and then another one was like pffft we looked into and it was a rip off. I had never heard of using N before in tires but I can guarantee I am not paying to fill my tires up when I can get it done for free.
- SuperJimmyJimbo, on 07/14/2008, -14/+6dugg for : use of "retarded".
- alex7575, on 07/14/2008, -3/+9That's what you're digging this for?
You're retarded.- WELLDOITLIVE, on 07/14/2008, -1/+6No no no.. it's: Your retarted
- whahaa, on 07/14/2008, -2/+7as a retard, i find the title extremely offensive.
- TheMidnight, on 07/15/2008, -1/+1"Son, what's your mental disability again?"
"Ah, duuuhhh, how the heck should I know? I'm retarded! Duuuuuh!!"
- alex7575, on 07/14/2008, -3/+9That's what you're digging this for?
- holyskeleton, on 07/14/2008, -0/+43"As seen on TV!"
*sigh* it doesn't get anymore obvious than that...- CedEx, on 07/14/2008, -0/+8"As seen on TV" is about the equivalent to "As read on teh internets"
- mayra1201, on 07/14/2008, -4/+23Dugg for 'hypermiling'- in addition to the Draft Assisting thing, there are a number of tactics that are being used that can only be described as insane. They're putting everyone else in danger just to save a couple bucks at the pump
- Rhonwyn, on 07/14/2008, -2/+3I took a little objection to how they talked about 'hypermiling'. While it is totally ***** crazy, it really works. Drafting a tractor trailer, especially when you get a few inches from their bumper, can really reduce the drag of your car. So it will work, but yes, it is dangerous and illegal, and coupled with turning off your engine, almost suicidal.
- LitGeekPJ, on 07/14/2008, -3/+3The mild hypermilers who let off the gas a little and anticipate red lights don't bother me. But yeah, I was surprised they didn't talk about the Stupid Car Trick of "neutral coasting" which makes big-rig drafting look like a crawl through the drive-thru.
Anyway, even if you think you can safely draft off a big rig, you disrupt the truck's aero... the driver uses more gas... in turn charging more to clients to stay in business... and you pay *even more* for the product the driver ships. Many happy diminishing returns!- weregeek, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1I'm with you for the first paragraph. The second paragraph is pure crap, though. If you think for a second that a typical car closes the air disturbance opened by the truck less efficiently than the trailer behind that truck, you are nuts.
- eliot2000, on 07/15/2008, -0/+2Following a semi works, and you don't have to be a nut and tailgate. You can stay 50 or so feet back and still get a lot of benefit. If you don't believe it, try following one and roll down your window, there's way less wind noise. As for that other stuff, tailgating, coasting with the engine off, and grappling hooks. I'm out.
Unless someone comes up with an electromagnetic grappler- that fires from a CO2 cannon in my grill, like in Snow Crash, but on a Ford Focus.
- JQP123, on 07/14/2008, -1/+58Just plain cracked --- in a good way --- the article I mean. Cracked in a bad way --- the people who buy this stuff.
My personal favorite is #2: "One glance and they (any mechanic) will know they can charge you $50 to realign the air in your tires." - BoonTobias, on 07/14/2008, -0/+15let me guess, none of you bought the electric ab-belt, eh?
well then, neither did i- magicalhobo, on 07/14/2008, -0/+9/me pulls my shirt down..
Nope!- IanPR, on 07/14/2008, -2/+2IRC FTW!
- magicalhobo, on 07/14/2008, -0/+9/me pulls my shirt down..
- krische, on 07/14/2008, -2/+21So is hypermiler the new audiophile?
If so, Do I have a deal for you!- ApokalypseNow, on 07/14/2008, -0/+21Some gold-plated throttle control that more accurately reproduces your foot pressure or something, amiright?
- doctechnical, on 07/14/2008, -0/+18No, in the audiophile world you'd pay $50.00/gallon for "Shun Mook Stabilized Petrol", which wouldn't claim to increase mileage, but your ride would just *feel* so much better.
- nicc, on 07/14/2008, -0/+10you would also strategically place pebbles and small rocks under your couch, behind the tv and in the plant pots to "harmonize" your room for the natural frequencies of the music you want to listen to.
- digggggggggg, on 07/14/2008, -1/+3I hear that Monster cable is now producing solid gold fuel lines that preserve the quality of the gas that flows through them better than other fuel lines.
- MrSparkle666, on 07/15/2008, -1/+0No, hypermiling actually works. I used to do it when I was young and stupid. I couldn't turn off my engine like some claim, but the lack of wind resistance lets you let up significantly on the gas pedal and it acually feels like the low pressure area is pulling you along. You have to get in the "air pocket" behind the truck just right. Unfortunately, this is very close to the back of the truck and very dangerous. Also, the truckers always seem to notice you doing it no matter how sneaky you try to be about it, and they DO NOT appreciate it. You will usually only get a few good minutes before the trucker notices you and starts changing lanes an speed erratically just to get you off of his ass. In other words, DON"T DO IT.
- jsaya, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1Audiophile - derogatory? I don't think so; that's LAME.
- surferjoemaui, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1polk audio!
- TheMidnight, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1I have a bodykit that improves the car audio system by shielding the outside wind noise from inside and reflecting the sound back in. It also makes your car 1000x more aerodynamic, so it gets more miles per gallon due to decreased wind drag. It also comes with horsepower inducing stickers.
/audiophiles, hypermilers and ricers in one ??? profit!! product
- seventhc, on 07/14/2008, -1/+4dugg for #4.Khaos Super Turbo Charger
I wouldn't use it on my car but dammit, I could do something with this thing.
It looks cool whatever it is. - kyleforeman, on 07/14/2008, -0/+15Dugg for the name "Ozzie Freedom"
- billbugger, on 07/14/2008, -0/+1damn work blocking access. :- Mirror anywhere?
- saphyrre, on 07/14/2008, -0/+1try google cache
http://72.14.205.104/search?client=firefox-a&rls=o ... - d3matt, on 07/14/2008, -0/+1or coral cache:
http://www.cracked.com.nyud.net/article_16484_6-re ...
- saphyrre, on 07/14/2008, -0/+1try google cache
- twertyto, on 07/14/2008, -0/+19Dugg for the second guy in the bpi video. He claims that if you look under a microscope you can see the the gas molecules being broken down by the bpi enzymes to "better" burn the fuel.
Probably the stupidest thing I've heard this year. - Gustomucho, on 07/14/2008, -0/+95"6 Retarded Gas Saving Schemes (People Are Actually Trying)"
Sponsored by Google ad :
""Double any vehicule's MPG! , Secret technology THEY want to ban, Plans; sources; Complete kits : ONLY 50$ ""
Love the irony- bprime, on 07/14/2008, -0/+1Check out the ads in #1, "Run your car on water!": http://i33.tinypic.com/2ryg6dz.jpg
Google's getting good at this contextual thing! - dalnet22, on 07/14/2008, -6/+1How is that ironic?
- iamnobody8614, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1LOL I thought that was on purpose. I went back and looked at it again and it was for Blockbuster.
- Fozefy, on 07/15/2008, -1/+3what are these "ads" you speak of?
( FF with adblock+ ftw)
- bprime, on 07/14/2008, -0/+1Check out the ads in #1, "Run your car on water!": http://i33.tinypic.com/2ryg6dz.jpg
- angusm, on 07/14/2008, -2/+10I'm glad to see 'Water4Gas' made the list. What's worse than a scam? A scam that's marketed as an MLM scheme. If the retards who buy into this con would just quietly destroy their engines or blow themselves up, I wouldn't mind so much: it's the fact that they have to spam the ***** out of the entire Internet trying to find other people who are as stupid as they are that pisses me off.
- IanPR, on 07/14/2008, -1/+1I loved how they called HHO hydrogen dioxide, browns powder, etc etc, but never really called it WATER.
- Frustian, on 07/14/2008, -1/+2:S. They take water and turn it into a very flammable gas, called brown's gas. It is used in many blowtorches etc. The W4G works, but as was stated, you are paying way more to make the product than it is worth, and very little of it as well.
- Anonymous99, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1that's kinda confusing cause hydrogen dioxide is HO2, not H2O
- IanPR, on 07/14/2008, -1/+1I loved how they called HHO hydrogen dioxide, browns powder, etc etc, but never really called it WATER.
- Umstizzle, on 07/14/2008, -1/+52Wait... It doesn't cost 50 dollars to realign the air in my tires?
- shermanthetank, on 07/14/2008, -1/+17No, they shouldn't be charging you a dime more than $40.
- mrswirl, on 07/14/2008, -1/+23Make sure to get your blinker fluid checked twice a year too!
- MarshalBanana, on 07/14/2008, -0/+12Not if you want a professional grade job done. I pay double that. Don't skimp, folks.
- IEatHamburgers, on 07/15/2008, -0/+4Well, you can get it done cheap, if you want it done half-assed. Most cheap places don't know how to align the air towards the engine, and that often results in lower tire rubberization and it decreases center-of-gravity and increases the vehicle's fuel-to-cowbell ratio. You don't want that, do you? Of course not!
- IEatHamburgers, a genuine car expert - Mpwns, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1that reminds me i need to go have my seats realigned. last time it took 3 days guy said he needed to test out out till its just right. but then when i got it back it did not feel like he did anything so i took back ti get it fixed again and this time he said he would call me when its done. its been 2 weeks now.....at least he is giving me 40% off the bill since its talking so long.
- MoralThreat, on 07/14/2008, -0/+10Someone answer this for me. I think it's *****, but I know nothing of aerodynamics. A local carwash is airing TV ads saying that the normal gunk on the exterior of a car can add wind resistance and therefor take away gas mileage. This sounds likes bull and just some dueche trying to get more business by installing fear into the local populace. Is gas mileage going to be affected that much? Sounds like something Mythbusters should do.
- Schda, on 07/14/2008, -0/+11It does increase wind resistance, but simply washing it won't remove all the drag. There'd still be a bunch of stuck on tar and rubber and such on your car. The increase you'd get from a clean car as opposed to a dirty car is pretty much negligible.
- Physicsmazz, on 07/14/2008, -0/+6It will of course affect air resistance, but in such a minuscule amount that you'd never see the difference.
- Slovenian6474, on 07/14/2008, -0/+37Well a smoother surface would have less friction. That being said, I highly doubt it's enough to make any difference unless the "gunk" happens to be a moose or something.
- thepxc, on 07/14/2008, -0/+14I really did laugh out loud at the moose line.
Dugg. - turtled28, on 07/15/2008, -0/+3I am still laughing =-D
wish I could digg you twice.
- thepxc, on 07/14/2008, -0/+14I really did laugh out loud at the moose line.
- MoralThreat, on 07/14/2008, -0/+5That's what I figured. Thanks.
- doctechnical, on 07/14/2008, -1/+9Unless you're carrying 100lbs of mud clods and dirt on your car the difference in mileage would be imperceptible.
It would be more effective to go on a diet and lose some weight yourself so there's not so much of your ass to haul around :)- Anonymous99, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1also considering the amount of money that the carwash would charge you to keep their water and pressure washers on for enough time to remove the 100lbs of mud would probably cost out the same as the extra fuel...
- haikuFU, on 07/14/2008, -7/+3A clean car vs. the same dirty car will differ by 2-3mph in the 1/4 mile. It's not insignificant, but it doesn't warrant spending $8 a week on car washes either.
- mrhuhk, on 07/14/2008, -3/+12Dugg for the agressive use of the word "retarded".
- donnawells, on 07/14/2008, -1/+4The article was very entertaining.
- AZTriGuy, on 07/14/2008, -0/+18Growing up in NC, drafting trucks was a pretty big thing going down to the beach. I remember when I was young and stupid, I got 40mpg in my 78 Celica liftback on a trip from Raleigh to the coast by drafting a semi. Safety-wise, not a smart thing to do. Of course, I was 20 and invincible. Looking back at some of that stuff, I'm surprised sometimes that I got the chance to go from young and stupid to older and . . . not quite as stupid at least.
- MrSparkle666, on 07/15/2008, -0/+0Yeah it works surprisingly well, but the truckers always seemed to notice after a few minutes, no matter how sneaky I tried to be. It really pisses them off, and they will start changing lanes like maniacs just to get you off their tail. I was young and stupid back then. Not recommended.
- orangefly, on 07/14/2008, -0/+13I like the rope and grappling hook idea....
- katierosekills, on 07/14/2008, -3/+61dugg for
"Because ***** you, that's why!" And then they'd light a cigar with a billion dollar bill.- imsteve22, on 07/14/2008, -5/+7now that i know why you dugg it, my life can go on. thank you.
- robweber, on 07/14/2008, -2/+11I was laughing so hard when I read that line that I actually started crying. Everyone at work was very confused.
- DrummerAndrew, on 07/14/2008, -3/+1Get out more. trust me.
- Chalks777, on 07/14/2008, -13/+6"...water gas called 'HHO' (2 parts hydrogen + 1 part oxygen). HHO, also called Brown's Gas ... burns beautifully..."
HHO = H2O = water
Brown's Gas = steam
LOL.- bennjammin, on 07/14/2008, -1/+12HHO is different than steam. try getting a glass of water and two peices of metal, put them close together and attach the leads of a 9v to them and you get HHO bubbling up. try putting some soap in the water to capture the bubbles, then light them on fire with a lighter, its really fun.
- Chalks777, on 07/14/2008, -0/+6aw man, good call. I totally forgot about that experiment in high school. :(
They deserve mocking, but not for the reason that I gave. - Acolyte357, on 07/14/2008, -2/+4Do you mean Oxyhydrogen H2O2 ?
electrolysis: 2 H2O → 2 H2 + O2
combustion: 2 H2 + O2 → 2 H2O
I could be wrong, please explain how else H2O could bond. - FrozenKetchup, on 07/15/2008, -2/+2it's a 2:1 ratio of H2 to 02 so HH0 is mildly correct but even less correct would be H402
- ThePantsParty, on 07/15/2008, -0/+2Brown's Gas is H2O2 like Acolyte said. THAT is what is produced in the experiment. Are you trying to say that HHO is the same thing as H2O2?
- Chalks777, on 07/14/2008, -0/+6aw man, good call. I totally forgot about that experiment in high school. :(
- Shatneresque, on 07/15/2008, -2/+2I love it when people try to "debunk" something and just end up revealing their own stupidity instead. Tell me another one!
- bennjammin, on 07/14/2008, -1/+12HHO is different than steam. try getting a glass of water and two peices of metal, put them close together and attach the leads of a 9v to them and you get HHO bubbling up. try putting some soap in the water to capture the bubbles, then light them on fire with a lighter, its really fun.
- Depravo, on 07/14/2008, -3/+41How about this one - "The store is only two streets away, try walking you fat *****"
No, I guess that one is just TOO retarded. - JackSchittt, on 07/14/2008, -2/+39The other day, I was truly sad over the rise in gas prices. As I looked down in sorrow, I saw these two things sticking out of the bottom of my legs. I put one of them in front of the other and.........to my surprise......forward motion was achieved. So I did it again. And I went even further! So I did it again. And again. And again! And I kept moving forward! So I used this new technique to run all of my errands, and checked my gas mileage when I got back. I couldn't believe it! 0 MPG!
That's Right! 0 MPG! I've learned the secret! And now, for the low, low price of only $149.95, you can too! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn how to seriously cut down on your gas mileage! Hurry, this once-in-a-lifetime offer is only available for a limited time! Only $149.95!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a great deal!!!!! If it weren't such a great deal, I wouldn't be legally allowed to use so many exclamation points!
Act now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!- tkr2099, on 07/14/2008, -0/+40Wow, your mileage sucks, have you considered trying The Tornado?
- sweet4545, on 07/14/2008, -0/+14Maybe you've found a way to save gas, but hell, you could spend these saved dollars on a math course! 0MPG = No miles for one gallon.
Divide by zero error
+++ NO CARRIER- BradHAWK, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1It's not a divide by 0 error. It's dividing into 0, which isn't an error. (Although it should be 0GPM.)
- bubba9999, on 07/14/2008, -0/+4pix or it didn't happen.
- saphyrre, on 07/14/2008, -1/+9Try achieving 0 MPG when you have to commute 40-50 miles daily. Those "two things sticking out of the bottom of my legs" will be gone in a few days.
Wish it was funny comment, but .. it's not.- JackSchittt, on 07/14/2008, -0/+0The central office of my work is 22 miles away. I have to check in at 7, pick up my assignments for the day, travel to the various sites (averaging about 30 miles/day), go back to the office, then go home. So i'm doing about 75 miles a day, sometimes more.
But when i have to run my local errands........I walk.
- JackSchittt, on 07/14/2008, -0/+0The central office of my work is 22 miles away. I have to check in at 7, pick up my assignments for the day, travel to the various sites (averaging about 30 miles/day), go back to the office, then go home. So i'm doing about 75 miles a day, sometimes more.
- footfwd, on 07/14/2008, -0/+3" I can attest to Jackschittt's AMAZING NEW Product I SAW IT ON T.V and i thought wow this is new i'll give it a try!" " Not only did my gas mileage improve but my self esteem and confidence to! my face cleared up instantly with only having tried it ONCE!" " Not only that my stool is more regular and the polish on my seats stays supple and softer longer." "I would recommend his product to anyone, anywhere, anytime."
This testimonial may cause severe diarrhea, if red eyes or vomiting persist please see a trained physicians immediately.- turtled28, on 07/15/2008, -0/+2Ahhh, nothing like anal leakage to sell a product
^_^
- turtled28, on 07/15/2008, -0/+2Ahhh, nothing like anal leakage to sell a product
- jer2eydevil88, on 07/15/2008, -0/+3Your story reminds me of this skit
http://consumerist.com/consumer/clips/snl-skit-don ... - ggacid, on 07/15/2008, -0/+2Should've broken it down to "3 EASY PAYMENTS OF $49.95!!!!!!!!!!!!" That makes, $149.85, but whatever.. Sounds cheaper and easier to retarded consumers..
- kroni, on 07/14/2008, -2/+9I can't believe there is people so dumb to try this gas saving schemes. I'm going to say one true gas saving scheme, but don't tell anybody because is a big secret and big oil/zionism/artic nazis/bush don't wants you to know: walk more, if the place is 1 or 2 km from your home walk... other tip : get a bycicle or small motocycle (hell, even 1200cc harley consumes lot less gas than a V8)... or if you need a car, get a smaller car, like a Renault Twingo or a Ford Ka, you don't need 500 hp V8 to go to grocery store. Gotta go, big oil will send their black helicopter to kill me for revealing this amazing secret : if you walk more you save gas...
- timusca, on 07/14/2008, -0/+7I'm not worried about 1 or 2 km... that's hardly any gas. I'm worried about the other 99% of my driving which is a 45 mile round trip. And don't tell me to move closer to work... I work on a gov. facility and most of those miles are past the guard gate.
- kroni, on 07/14/2008, -1/+6Well, get a motorcycle or like I said, a smaller efficient car (Ford Ka comes to mind, 1000cc), I own one motorcycle (1200cc V2) and I'm sure I use lot less gas than the guy riding the pimped up SUV. I have even done long +500 km trips without problems.
- timusca, on 07/14/2008, -0/+5@kroni
I carpool with 2 other people... and when you have a loan on your car its not as easy as "just trading it out". - justinalfred, on 07/14/2008, -0/+3trade it the easy way, insurance fraud.
- haikuFU, on 07/14/2008, -4/+1> you don't need 500 hp V8 to go to grocery store
Dugg down for LIES.
- timusca, on 07/14/2008, -0/+7I'm not worried about 1 or 2 km... that's hardly any gas. I'm worried about the other 99% of my driving which is a 45 mile round trip. And don't tell me to move closer to work... I work on a gov. facility and most of those miles are past the guard gate.
- TomT223, on 07/14/2008, -0/+10Anyone gullible enough to buy one of these deserves it.
- WolfGTZ, on 07/14/2008, -3/+4I guess people don't realize that if you want better MPG get a CAI or an aftermarket exhaust system. For the same amount as this crappola you could get at least 5 more MPG
- qber, on 07/14/2008, -0/+6Or you could stop it with the jackrabbit starts and the speeding on the highway and the going full speed up to a red light just to slam on the brakes and gain 5 or more MPG for FREE!
- etherreal, on 07/14/2008, -0/+5Depends on the car. Worked well on my car, for about a $130 investment.
- PleaseJustDie, on 07/14/2008, -8/+6My dad actually built an HHO system, he saw the pictures of the components and saw he had equivalent parts lying around and enough spare time that he just built one and hooked it up into his truck. He's got a little switch that when he turns it on activates an agitator pump and electrical coils and a damp misty hydrogen filled line feeds into his fuel intake. The system works, but he hasn't had time to do any mileage tests on it yet to see if it does anything noticeable. It also, by its nature, feeds a bit of water mist into the system, which is supposed to increase mileage and horsepower as well because water is densely filled with oxygen and if mixed in proper proportion with fuel can make the explosions more pwoerful with less fuel. They used to use water injection in old fighter jets to get an additional 500-700 more horsepower.
- 2reflective, on 07/14/2008, -2/+4Exactly. HHO is not 'free energy' - it costs electricity to produce. The point is that it raises the octane level of the fuel sufficiently to offset the extra power it took to produce - hence a net MPG gain overall.
Quite how anyone can dismiss this offhand without really studying it is beyond me... especially given the hundreds of videos on youtube showing working systems and a working commercial example of HHO in Japan:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=65RkcDZxPuQ- gn0stik, on 07/14/2008, -1/+5I agree, who said HHO was free energy in the first place?
- haikuFU, on 07/14/2008, -0/+2Water injection works, but it's not why you think it works. You are dead wrong. "Water is densely filled with oxygen" --- What? It may be a large part oxygen, but it's certainly not splitting the O2 from the H.
It works because it cools the intake charge and makes it denser. The additional density requires more fuel to maintain a proper air/fuel ratio, and you get more power because essentially more fuel and air are able to fit in the cylinder. This won't increase your mileage. However, because of the cooler air charge, it will reduce detonation (knock). Modern cars have knock sensors that retard the timing to prevent it, and when the timing is retarded, you get worse mileage. So if you're using crappy fuel and getting knock, a water injection system will probably reduce or eliminate it, allowing the ECU to advance your timing so you get better mileage/more power.- PleaseJustDie, on 07/14/2008, -0/+1Thanks for the more information. What you're saying sounds more in line with what he was saying.
- gn0stik, on 07/14/2008, -0/+1I thought the knock was because of the higher compression ratio due to extra gasses in the CC, but this makes sense.
- liubhs02, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1haikuFu, I was going to say the same thing.
For gn0stik, knock is due to compression ratio. But detonation doesn't happen instaneous nor does it happen at top dead center (TDC). The spark starts a few degrees from TDC. the spark causes hydrocarbons to be converted to H2O and CO2 (ideally) thus increasing the amount of gas in the cylinder and increase the effective compression ratio. You can delay the spark and lower the effective compression ratio, but you do so at the expense of fuel economy.
Anyways, water/alcohol injection are used by race cars and modders, but it's to increase power.
- 2reflective, on 07/14/2008, -2/+4Exactly. HHO is not 'free energy' - it costs electricity to produce. The point is that it raises the octane level of the fuel sufficiently to offset the extra power it took to produce - hence a net MPG gain overall.
- fingaz, on 07/14/2008, -3/+10dugg for:
"Of course if we asked the oil companies why they don't bother to line up their gasoline molecules nice and neat before selling them to us, their answer would surely be, "Because ***** you, that's why!" And then they'd light a cigar with a billion dollar bill."- Halsfield, on 07/15/2008, -0/+0and the match to light the cigar was struck off the skin of your family dog/firstborn child. evil corporate bastards.
- pyper, on 07/14/2008, -0/+8Tim Hunter from "Bio Petro Improver" must have been channeling Chris Farley, I kept expecting him to finish off with "I live in a van, down by the river"
- hammburglar, on 07/15/2008, -0/+2i was getting a superfans kinda vibe. daaaa bears.
- SkippyDoorknob, on 07/14/2008, -0/+14#7 - only drive downhill
- CAisBacK, on 07/15/2008, -0/+0but but i live in SF
- 1timeuser, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1#8 - move away from SF.
- CAisBacK, on 07/15/2008, -0/+0but but i live in SF
- jbmcb, on 07/14/2008, -0/+11Magnets seem to be able to fix and cure everything except stupidity.
- McShr3dd3r, on 07/14/2008, -1/+31Ride a bike.
Take the Bus.
Car Pool.
Walk.
Levitate.
Fly on a carpet.
Ride a horse.
Skitch.- imhalfpirate, on 07/14/2008, -0/+24Pogo.
Force Jump.
Urban Kayak. - slotimus, on 07/14/2008, -13/+5Impeach George Bush
- Davoidbot, on 07/15/2008, -1/+1How will that save me gas?
- jaydoj, on 07/14/2008, -0/+12dugg for skitching
- McShr3dd3r, on 07/15/2008, -0/+2wasn't sure if anyone would catch that ;)
- ryanwarnersteel, on 07/15/2008, -0/+3no you gotta yell it like the Sega game did: Sketchin'!!!!!
ahh, the road rash no one played- Halsfield, on 07/15/2008, -0/+0i played the hell out of skitchin and road rash, i really miss those games. Bring them back nintendo/sony/micro! rock n roll racing too!
- diggerphelps, on 07/15/2008, -0/+4Lose your job.
Worked for me. - hkbebe1, on 07/15/2008, -0/+1skip, rollerskate, cart wheel, hop, leap, frolic, i wanna buy a scooter :]
- imhalfpirate, on 07/14/2008, -0/+24Pogo.
- bennjammin, on 07/14/2008, -5/+6yea the HHO system can actually work, assuming your engine is producing a little extra electricity
- NeoHomer, on 07/14/2008, -5/+2No. It can not work. It plays on the ignorance of those who don't understand engines and how they work.
- gn0stik, on 07/14/2008, -2/+10You need to define "work." The article assumes that you can run your car on it. You can't. It may improve your overall efficiency if you use it correctly however. Around 20% increase, not that much.
NeoHomer's attitude is actually quite ironic, because anyone who says it wont work at least to a small degree in fact does not know how an ICE works, or does not understand how the device works. All it does is add some hydroxy to the mix creating a slightly more combustible mix, and allowing for a more complete burn.
Hypermiling also works, My Ford F-150 gets 26 miles per gallon hypermiling. Oh, and it has very little to do with drafting big trucks, I personally have never done that. It has far more to do with coasting when possible, slowing down far ahead of intersections to avoid a red light if possible, and choosing your routes to avoid stopping and starting, and hills if possible. Keeping your RPMs low, and keeping your tires inflated, oil changed, and air filter clean. I have never once heard of anyone recommending shutting off their motor while doing any of these things. I have however put my car in neutral while going down a hill, causing it to basically idle while doing the speed limit. The concept is simple, low RPMs mean slower combustion cycle, which in turn means a more complete burn of fuel. This in addition to the fact that you coast as much as possible giving much lower RPMs and fuel efficiency, and avoid stops (acceleration is the biggest expenditure of fuel while driving, and is why city mpg is typically lower than hwy mpg), and slowly accelerating from a stop when possible.
Anyone who's ever had a higher end car with a computer that displays your mpg knows that these things reduce your fuel intake. I've noticed, however that the more efficient a car already is, the lower the benefits of hypermiling. A gas hog benefits from it quite a bit, while a compact car doesn't benefit as much.
It's all about what's happening in the combustion chamber folks. - fantasticjon, on 07/14/2008, -1/+3My uncle is putting one of those water to hydrogen systems into his car. We were talking about it and I said "do you think your alternator is going to put off enough surplus electricity to split the water?" and he said "I am getting a bigger alternator"
thinking: great! lets convert energy forms 3 times before applying energy towards moving the car. This should prove to be efficient.- gn0stik, on 07/14/2008, -2/+1Actually what they are doing in a round about way, is reducing the amount of heat losses in the system. Yes they use combustion (heat), convert it to mechanical, which is being harnessed to create electricity, to crack water.
The thing is, they are stealing some electricity from the most efficient conversion process (mechanical to electricity) and using it to reduce losses in the most inefficient conversion process in the engine (heat to mechanical). So although you are not getting a huge kick, the electrical system can be used to help out the combustion process, and increase your overall efficiency.
- gn0stik, on 07/14/2008, -2/+1Actually what they are doing in a round about way, is reducing the amount of heat losses in the system. Yes they use combustion (heat), convert it to mechanical, which is being harnessed to create electricity, to crack water.
- wildpass2, on 07/15/2008, -1/+0The article does not assume you can run your car on it. They discussed whether it would increase your mileage. It will not run your car by itself or work to help your car run better.
- NeoHomer, on 07/14/2008, -6/+6That water for gas one is just plain wrong at every level. People that buy that stuff have got to be so gullible.
- kyle212, on 07/14/2008, -1/+1"If you can't trust "Ozzie Freedom," who can you trust?"
- jcakin, on 07/14/2008, -0/+2Want to Quadruple your gas millage...try putting a magnet on the stem value of your tire!!! The air needs to aligned in your tire to get Awesome millage.
I am sure some fool would buy that. -
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