Fuel extenders

[rreppy]

With gas prices what they are, all kinds of scams are appearing selling devices that improve one's fuel efficiency.
Has anyone seen the one that sprays water into your engine to "cool the ignition fires" and "slow" the burning of the fuel? Isn't it just a plain dumb thing to do to get any water at all into the pistons? Wouldn't it cause corrosion? I can't imagine BMW honoring any warranties after something like this was done to their engine. Some of the devices use Xylene instead of water.Any thoughts on this?

[Sam Cogley]

If you do some research, you'll see that this isn't anything new. WWII fighters used water injection to keep the cylinders cool.

[big-tex]

Wouldnt that hurt your mpg's? I dont see how it would help. Now running a larger radiator, high flow pump, cooler thermo. and some water wetter... that might help.


p.s. Dont forget to properly inflate your tires.

[Andrew*Debbie]

Done right, adding water can increase density and reduce combustion chamber temps.

In aircraft engines, the reduction in temps stops overheating and also allowed for increased boost. -- A lot of piston engine aircraft are fuel cooled. You run them extra rich at full power. The extra fuel is just for cooling. Water can be a better choice.

As I recall the WWII systems used a mix of water and alcohol.

Engine has to be designed for it. Most turbo or super charged cars use an intercooler instead of water. Possibly because of reduced cost, complexity and maintenance vs. water injection. Or maybe an intercooler and today's advanced engine managment systems just work better.

[big-tex]

Done right, adding water can increase density and reduce combustion chamber temps.

In aircraft engines, the reduction in temps stops overheating and also allowed for increased boost. -- A lot of piston engine aircraft are fuel cooled. You run them extra rich at full power. The extra fuel is just for cooling. Water can be a better choice.

As I recall the WWII systems used a mix of water and alcohol.

Engine has to be designed for it. Most turbo or super charged cars use an intercooler instead of water. Possibly because of reduced cost, complexity and maintenance vs. water injection. Or maybe an intercooler and today's advanced engine managment systems just work better.


Ok, I've heard of fuel cooling, but you learn sum'n new erry day. :thumbup:

[cwsqbm]

Done right, adding water can increase density and reduce combustion chamber temps.

In aircraft engines, the reduction in temps stops overheating and also allowed for increased boost. -- A lot of piston engine aircraft are fuel cooled. You run them extra rich at full power. The extra fuel is just for cooling. Water can be a better choice.

As I recall the WWII systems used a mix of water and alcohol.

Engine has to be designed for it. Most turbo or super charged cars use an intercooler instead of water. Possibly because of reduced cost, complexity and maintenance vs. water injection. Or maybe an intercooler and today's advanced engine managment systems just work better.

To add to that, in the mid-60's, Oldsmoblie had a turbo'd engine that injected "rocket fuel" which was an alcohol/water mix.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm4wlocZRz8&feature=related