Acetone causes fuel to burn
better and completely. Acetone, Xylene and other methyl-carrying
hydrocarbons are among the slowest burning chemicals known.
They carry high octane
properties.
Fight surface tension in
the fuel.
Combat ethanol.
Survive the heat of
combustion for a very long time
Vaporize quite readily.
Break apart the fuel
fragments that surround them.
Encourage great
vaporization, which is the key to great mileage.
Automotive fuel additive
Some automotive enthusiasts add acetone at
around 1 part in 500 to their fuel, following claims of dramatic improvement
in fuel economy and engine life. This practice is controversial as the body
of systematic testing shows that acetone has no measurable effect or may in
fact reduce engine life by adversely affecting fuel system parts. Debates on
this subject and the perennial claims of a "Big Oil" cover-up intensified
when the practice was addressed on the popular American TV show Myth Busters
in 2006, and shown to have negative effect in the televised fuel economy
test. The jury is still out though, the only negatives to using acetone
would be the result of exceeding the recommended blending calculation (one
ounce of acetone to five gallons of gasoline). Even common paint thinner
(which contains acetone, and other chemicals, some of which have been used
to boost octane and fuel Formula One race cars, such as toluene and xylene)
has been used as a gasoline and diesel fuel additive, point being that the
chemical surface tension of the gasoline will be reduced to allow a more
efficient combustion process to occur, thus resulting in better economy and
performance. Conversely, alcohol based octane boosters, such as ethanol and
methanol, actually increase the chemical surface tension of common gasoline,
and this is precisely why less economy, less miles per gallon, occurs
when
using alcohol as an additive in gasoline. The presence of alcohol also
reduces the effectiveness of Acetone.
What
is Acetone?
Acetone, an intermediate chemical used as an industrial solvent, is
a clear liquid chemical produced as a co-product in the manufacture of
phenol during the commence oxidation process.
It is an important product
for the cellulose acetate fiber industry and is used in the manufacturing of
plastics, vitamins, photographic film, printing inks, paints and varnishes.
Acetone is also used as
a raw material for a wide range of chemicals including methyl methacrylate,
bisphenol A and diacetone alcohol.
As an additive:
ADD 1 to 3 ounces to 10 gallons of
non-ethanol gasoline or diesel fuel.
Lowers the surface tension so that the
fuel will spray finer.
Too much will lower your mpg
Do not get it on your paint
Can be used with plastics labeled "HDxx"
"Must Read" Acetone
in Fuels Acetone and Esters
What is Xylene?
Xylene is a chemical that occurs
naturally in crude oil but is supplemented by additional amounts made in the
refining process. It is used in many common products, such as paints,
rubber, adhesives, plastic bottles and clothing.
Can be used in place of Toluene to thin
specified oil-based paint, lacquer and varnish when a slower rate of
evaporation is desired. Xylene will also remove certain adhesives, and is an
excellent clean-up solvent for tools and equipment immediately after use.
The purpose of adding xylene
is to protect the acetone and let it do its job of vaporizing the fuel and
helping fuel to combust completely. Ethanol is an enemy to good mileage and
xylene helps in that respect.
As an additive:
ADD 1 to 3 ounces to 10 gallons of
gasoline or diesel fuel.
Boosts your octane
Use with Acetone; can be mixed together.
USE 5W-40 SYNTHETIC OIL WITH ACETONE AND
XYLENE
Any 5W-40 or 5W-30
synthetic oil may be combined with the above additives in the gasoline
tank. Of course this combination has succeeded in boosting mileage and
reducing emissions. The big advantage of adding the right oil to the mix is
it turns your gasoline or diesel fuel into a nice lubricant and works
wonders for emissions. This is wonderful for the life of your engine and
reduces ring friction to near zero and gives perfect ring seal. This mix
also protects your expensive diesel injectors from damage with running ULS
diesel fuel. Synthetics are very different from petroleum based oil. It is
not often that synthetics are suggested, except when it is the best choice
in certain applications. Use 1 oz. per 10 gals.
Web Links
Calculate the amount of
additives needed after your fill up.