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Product Review: EconoMax Fuel SaveMy Review of the EconoMax Fuel SaverRecently I did a review of the EconoMax Fuel Saving device. Here is how it was tested and what the results of that test were.
Recently I did a review of the EconoMax Fuel Catalyst. This device falls into the classification of Fuel Line Devices (metallic). Typically, these devices contain several dissimilar metals that are installed in the fuel line, supposedly causing ionization of the fuel. Product Claims...According to the manufactorer: "Economax is a metal alloy catalyst which reacts with fuel upon contact. The reaction enhances (the) combustion process inside the engine and results in quicker starting, improved pickup, lesser emissions and more miles per gallon. Improved burning of fuel inhibits carbon buildup as well and engines runs more (sic)cleaner. After installation of the catalyst it is advisable to change the engine oil and oil filter after 1200 to 1500kms since all built up carbon etc. is burnt and deposited in engine oil. After initial oil change the interval of oil changes will increase noticeably." The product supposedly will:
The Vehicles...I tested this device on two different vehicles, a 1983 Mercedes Benz 3.0 liter diesel with 236,000 miles and a 1997 Buick LaSabre with a 3.8-liter V-6 with 120,000 miles. I do my testing with real vehicles driving normally on various types of roads; city and highway with normal ordinary people driving. I do it this way since very few people drive in laboratories and dynamometers. Testing Part One...The test consists of two parts. The first part entails me checking the engines state of tune and making any adjustments and repairs that may be needed. Then the vehicles are driven for 1,000 mile so the engines can 'settle' in. Then each vehicle is driven for three tanks of fuel. After each tank the mileage and gallons used are figured and recorded. The mileage for the three tanks are added together and averaged out to eliminate any dips or spikes. This gives us the baseline mileage for the two vehicles. For the Buick I also did an emissions test to verify the "Reduced exhaust emissions" claim. Testing Part Two...In the second part the vehicles are again checked and the device is installed. Again the vehicles run for 1,000 miles to allow the device to 'settle' in. As in the first part each vehicle is driven for three tanks of fuel. After each tank the mileage and gallons used are figured and recorded. The mileage for the three tanks are added together and averaged out to eliminate any dips or spikes. The Results Before...After part one of the test the Mercedes recorded 41.2 mpg and the Buick recorded 31.3 mpg. And After...After part two of the test the Mercedes recorded 41.9 mpg, an increase of .7 mpg or 1.6% The Buick recorded 29.6 mpg, a decrease of .7 mpg or 2.2%. The emission test results for the Buick before and after were identical. Conclusions...A 1.6% increase is a long way from the claim of 15% for a diesel and a decrease is a decrease no matter how much it is. Of course many things influence mpg, driving habits, traffic conditions even the weather so such a small difference can easily be attributed to driving conditions. I would have to see at least a 10% increase to judge the tested device to be a true gas saving device. Since this product came up short my conclusion is this device is best left on the shelf and use the $39.00 for dinner and a movie. If you have a question or comment for me, you can e-mail me at autotechrepair at suite101.com.
The copyright of the article Product Review: EconoMax Fuel Save in Auto Tech & Repair is owned by Vincent Ciulla. Permission to republish Product Review: EconoMax Fuel Save in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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