Acetone as an MPG booster?

[996GT2]

My dad was just telling me about how a few of his co-workers have tried adding acetone to their cars' fuel and received excellent MPG boosts...in one case, a V8 powered Crown Vic was able to get an average of almost 30 MPG (according to the co-worker's personal calculations). I have seen tests of this "myth" on Mythbusters and other places, where it was proven that acetone does absolutely nothing to boost mileage. However, I'm now a little more open-minded and did a little research...

http://www.pureenergysystems.c...03/17/6900069_Acetone/

It seems too good to be true, but could it be?

 

[Jeff7181]

Horrible idea, don't do it.

 

[TheSlamma]

Your dad's co-worker needs to quit drinking acetone while he "calculates" 😉

 

[Tiamat]

acetone is a pretty good solvent against organics. I don't know anything about engine maintenence, but it is possible there was sh1t built up inside and the acetone ate it away. I would consult the professionals first though...

 

[CrackRabbit]

Originally posted by: Tiamat
acetone is a pretty good solvent against organics. I don't know anything about engine maintenence, but it is possible there was sh1t built up inside and the acetone ate it away. I would consult the professionals first though...

Like O-rings...
Fuel leaks are bad. mmmkay?

 

[imported_Shivetya]

go look at reputable car parts and accessory stores in your area...


is it sold there?

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: CrackRabbit

Originally posted by: Tiamat
acetone is a pretty good solvent against organics. I don't know anything about engine maintenence, but it is possible there was sh1t built up inside and the acetone ate it away. I would consult the professionals first though...

Like O-rings...
Fuel leaks are bad. mmmkay?

REALLY depends on the composition of the O-rings. Quite a few of them are resistant to acetone. But of those, only a few are cross-resistent to gasoline, and I'm not sure what the automakers use. If it's polysulfide, sure. If it's nitrile...not so much.

 

[desy]

I looked into this a couple years ago
Basically its functions the same as carb or fuel injector cleaner, in fact some brands have it as a component.
A well tuned up car with a clean fuel system will see no results.

 

[CycloWizard]

I would never use acetone in your car's fuel system. It's not a pure hydrocarbon (it's a ketone), which means strange chemistry can occur during combustion and the combustion temperature may be significantly different (probably higher) than your engine's design temperature. It will also change the viscosity and combustion kinetics of the fuel mixture, which could lead to long-term issues. Like others have said, it will also damage many polymer/elastomer components.

Also, acetone is sold in parts stores. It's the main component in most brake cleaners. 😛

 

[imported_Baloo]

mythbusters busted this myth

 

[Blain]

I tested my S10 2.2 and got roughly 8% better MPG.
@ 4oz. / tank

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: CrackRabbit

Originally posted by: Tiamat
acetone is a pretty good solvent against organics. I don't know anything about engine maintenence, but it is possible there was sh1t built up inside and the acetone ate it away. I would consult the professionals first though...

Like O-rings...
Fuel leaks are bad. mmmkay?

yeah thats bad. I have never owned a vehicle, but i figured cars would have copper gaskets... Do they just have viton o-rings?