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Acetone works!!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by PASNGAS, Mar 2, 2006.

  1. PASNGAS

    PASNGAS New Member

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    I am almost down to the end of the tank and I can already see the improvement of gas mileage by adding 2 oz. of acetone. My gas average was 38.3 mpg last tank and now is up to 41.7. I was averaging 349 miles per tank and now at 349 I have several gallons left. I live in the mountains so I don't obviously get the greatest miles average. I am trying all the different ways on how to conserve the gas. Figuring penny to penny...each tank costs less than 30 cents of acetone.

    Important NOTE: 100% Acetone is recommended according to the articles and that'a what I used. Bought it at Lowe's auto center. :D
     
  2. bobkat21

    bobkat21 New Member

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    I as well have used this... I have to agree with you it does work I see an increase of around 2.4 miles ger gal. You ganalso get it at your local paint store.
    P.S. every little bit helps now days!
     
  3. hobbit

    hobbit Senior Member

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    You guys aren't shills for PES, are you?
    .
    _H*
     
  4. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    and what is the long term effect on the Bladder in a Prius gas tank? at over 600$ are you really ready for the unknown?
     
  5. alsgameroom

    alsgameroom Member

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    What are the environmental impacts??

    Including the manufacturing of more acetone if everyone was to do this.
     
  6. flareak

    flareak Fleet Captain

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    all i know is that acetone is a good solvent. cleans your engine maybe?
     
  7. flareak

    flareak Fleet Captain

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    however... i also know that acetone melts plastic
     
  8. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    gasoline is also a pretty good solvent.
     
  9. Karkus

    Karkus Junior Member

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    Do NOT add acetone to you tank! It eats plastic (tank, fuel lines?) and paint and surely voids your warranty. :eek:
    Also, anyone claiming a MPG improvement based on one tank can't be taken seriously. There are plenty of other variables that could cause way more than a measly 3 mpg change.
    Also, there are plenty of things (suggested many times on this board) for someone getting only ~40 mpg that would improve MPG by a few MPG without destroying their fuel system.
     
  10. flareak

    flareak Fleet Captain

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    but hey you know what, its got a pleasant fruity smell
     
  11. San_Carlos_Jeff

    San_Carlos_Jeff Active Member

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  12. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    I would bet one dollar that PASNGAS and bobkat21 are calculating the MPGs manually, using odometer readings and the amount shown on the gas pump.
     
  13. windstrings

    windstrings Certified Prius Breeder

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    this doen't sound too encouraging:
    This engine runs at a very high compression ratios and tight tolerances.... adding a smidge of nitro would also improve gas mileage, but at what cost to the engine?
    the guys that do that tear thier engine down after every coupleof races..... they don't expect it to last 200K miles +.

    Now let talk about the long term munching effects on the rubbers etc!
     
  14. c4

    c4 Active Member

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    Although gasoline and alcohol are both pretty good solvents, acetone is an extremely polar solvent, so it attacks a much wider range of materials, including pretty much anything plastic..

    That said, given the comparatively tiny amount that is put in per tankful of gas, short term use (ie, a few tanks) won't result in damage and in fact may have some engine cleaning benefits, but I'd be wary of the long term effects, even in a diluted form..
     
  15. windstrings

    windstrings Certified Prius Breeder

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    I agree.. for short term, I wouldn't be surprised if some of the "gas tank fuel system cleaners" don't have that in it. Its a matter of "time" it gets to eat on the plastics... I wouldn't put it in and then let it sit for the winter, but if you promply run it through in normal use its prob ok.
    That being said, some will prob say then why not just use it?... even short term takes a margin of a toll and the cumalitive effects or repeated use may surelyl pay off in ruin't fuel systems.... what a mess that would be to fix!
     
  16. SirGreen

    SirGreen New Member

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    Before I Traded my 2005 Nissan Titan in for My 2006 Prius.
    I tried using acetone at a rate of 2.5 onces per 10 gallans
    I used less then 5% less gas.
    But in my area around Richmond Virginia we have the reformulated gas
    all year round now and I know for sure that this gas causes me to lose
    15% of my gas milage no matter what car I use it in.
    I would have to drive 40 miles to fill up with the old regular unleaded.
    After 1200 miles I am averaging 44 mpg and I am happy with that.
     
  17. windstrings

    windstrings Certified Prius Breeder

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    That reformulated gas is an interesting subject
    http://www.epa.gov/region02/faq/refgas.htm

    there is much about it on the net. I am not qualified to speak one way or not about acetone, but I've seem the amazing dissolving effects acetone has, on so many different things... I'm shying away from that one at least for continous use. I would gladly add a few ounces of something to the gas if it would give me even a couple of mpg's, but until Toyota blesses it, thats one mod I'm not comfy with.

    Here is a site thats for it:
    http://www.lubedev.com/smartgas/faq.htm
    http://www.realtechnews.com/posts/2598
    Based on the chart in that second site that 2 ounces would be the best if you did use it.

    Copies from the above post:
     
  18. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    if you want solvents try MEK or tolulene or benzine the last 2 are used as solvents in gasoline. MEK should work pretty good as well just don't spill any on your paint. There a lot of old car additives that might help a bit but are any O2 sensor safe. I doubt it. How about those little filters in your injectors if you start dissolving some plastic or neoprene o-ring and the bits get caught in there. Lets see $120 for an O2 sensor, probably $175 each for 4 injectors $600 plus for the gas tank Labour probably another $400 to replace all this stuff. Some how I think gasoline is cheaper in the long run.
     
  19. windstrings

    windstrings Certified Prius Breeder

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    Here is a site that talks about it:
    http://www.lubedev.com/smartgas/faq.htm
    http://www.realtechnews.com/posts/2598
    Based on the chart in that second site that 2 ounces would be the best if you did use it.

    Copies from the above post:


    The best defense I see for it:
    These do show acetone as an ingredient!
    [attachmentid=2439]

    And still another thread of users..
    http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/...ad.php?t=385048
     
  20. FreshAirGuy

    FreshAirGuy New Member

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    You are still inside the 3-5 MPG margin of error reported consistently here between the Pruis computer and dividing gallons bought into odometer miles. I agree with everyone who suggests you cease and desist abusing the Prius technology. It is like kicking a fine race horse to make it go further.