Acetone

jamashke · April 21, 2005

I didn't want to bring a very long thread to the top to ask a simple question so I started a new one

Has anyone tried the acetone trick yet?

I bought some last night at Home Depot and was sooooooo close but wanted to ask around first.

REBOP · April 21, 2005

whats the "acetone trick" ??

71GMC_3/4T · April 21, 2005

Some deal where you add acetone and it increases the volatility of the fuel for more efficient operation.

I can see how it might work, but I'm afraid of F-ing up something in the fuel system with the acetone solvent.

snoman · April 21, 2005

whats the "acetone trick" ??

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It is supposed to raise the octane of the fuel, not make it burn better. Personally I would not use it because it could in theory damage some seals in your fuel system because it is based on a differnet stock than regular petrol so seals that work well with petrol, may or may not tolerate acetone well.

Scyry · April 21, 2005

Acetone is so corrosive I could see it eating seals and other plastic/rubber parts.

snoman · April 21, 2005

Acetone is so corrosive I could see it eating seals and other plastic/rubber parts.

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Is is not that it is corrosive as it is a very strong solvent and it can be very hard on some plastic and rubber compounds and "melt" them. Not too kind to some paint finishes too.

BADGERMAN · April 21, 2005

I will doing this starting this weekend.

Just do a search on the internet, there is a lot of info out there on this topic.

Give this link a try http://pesn.com/2005/03/17/6900069_Acetone/

snoman · April 21, 2005

I will doing this starting this weekend.

Just do a search on the internet, there is a lot of info out there on this topic.

Give this link a try http://pesn.com/2005/03/17/6900069_Acetone/

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There is no miracule additive and by inducing three more carbon atom in a complex molecule without adding more oxygen to speak of so you will you will increase CO2 emmisions and likely HC's as well. A IC gas engine has a theoritical peak effiecency of about 29% and there is about 50HP in a gallon of fuel. There is not enough fuel wasted in combustion to support the claims of a increase of 15 to 35% in MPG. Pure hogwash and probly related to the ones that claim 80mpg carbs in the 70's! If that much fuel was being wasted HC emmission would be out of site but they are not. A modern closed loop engine does not exhaust much unburnt fuel because of emmision requirements. There is no magic bullet here and make sure you factor the cost of acetone in your fuel operating costs if you use it.

BADGERMAN · April 21, 2005

I will figure in the cost of acetone and

at about $10/gallon and you only use about 6oz per tank.

If it doesn't work, oh well I am only out about 10 bucks.

Freyguy · April 21, 2005

I thought the same about eating fuel components, but the webpages say it doesn't damage anything. Several people have soaked various fuel lines, seals, etc in straight acetone and the only thing noticed was a slight expansion in the o-rings/seals. When they soaked in 4oz per 10 gallon mixture (2-3oz per 10 gal reccomended) they didn't notice anything.

Just passing along what I read. Very tempting, but I didn't have the kahones to try it! Can't wait to hear some results.

MrQuadrasteer · April 21, 2005

I'm doing it now in my jeep, a bud in his accord, and be both seem to have some improvement, both in mileage and in engine smoothness. Mine starts easier in the morning and idles MUCH smoother.

You're supposed to use 1-3oz per 10 gallons.

It has nothing to do with raising octane (acetone is said to have a octane rating around 150 or better, but because you're adding it at around .117%, it does little to nothing for octane rating).

What it is said to do is reduce the surface tension of the fuel, allowing an easier, more complete burn, in turn giving more power, better economy and reduced emissions.

Here's a bunch of info, well worth your time to check the links inside: shameless plug

LS1Tech has had a thread on this going for a couple weeks, it's up to 5 pages, and a bunch of guys are reporting gains....

USA1Fan · April 21, 2005

After I finish my current tests I may have to try this (after reading all that material, including the LS1Tech thread) to see if it boosts anything. It certainly doesn't sound as if it's harming anyones' vehicles though.

MrQuadrasteer · April 21, 2005

It's such a small quantity, I can not see it doing any harm long term.

I recommend it to everyone- you really stand to lose nothing more than just the price of the acetone, $10 at most.

And if it works and you get an extra mpg or two... or three......

Yeah, that LS1Tech thread is pretty compelling !!!!

bigdogs · April 22, 2005

I find that hard to believe as higher octane means lower flash point(burns at a slower rate). Acetone (same stuff that is in nail polish remover) is a "realtively" mild solvent compared to others like MEK but it does have a fast evaporation rate. Toluene OTOH can be used to raise octane as it is not as volatile. I've used that before when I had a Camaro.