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Hello. I’m new to the ETCG site even though I’ve been watching ETCG videos on youtube for a while. It’s nothing new that in this day and age, gasoline/diesel prices are crazy nowadays, So theres always someone looking for ways to get the most out of that little bit of gas for that sting you feel in your wallet. I recently heard about the Fitch Fuel Catalyst. A device you add to your fuel line or tank to boost performance and economy, amongst other things.
My question is has anyone had a chance to try this device on there gas/diesel powered vehicle or tool?
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Hi there, and welcome to the ETCG forum.
I did a quick read on what they say it does. I won’t deny that it’s possible it could work, but…
The appear to make the claim that most of the loss in possible energy (i.e. MPG) is due to “attack by oxygen, ozone, and microorganisms (bacteria, yeast, and mold) that grow in the fuel.”
Hydrocarbons are extraordinarily stable. That was why they formed in the first place. Yes, they can be degraded over time in the presence of the above, especially with the presence of rust (it’s a wonderful catalyst for many chemical processes). However, this rate is still relatively slow. Unless you’re the type of person that puts gas in a car once a year, I don’t believe you’ll see any measurable MPG improvement. The biggest issue with gasoline is the high ethanol contents will attract water which will lower the MPG. Not degradation of the fuel. As a chemist myself, I’m highly suspect of this product and believe it as much as the mechanic in a can.
That said, this is supposedly research coming out of UCONN, so if this is real there will be published PEER reviews or patents. I have searched a little bit and not found anything yet. I have to do a little work at the moment, but I will look more thoroughly first.
Alright,
I looked through the UCONN Engineering and chemistry websites. I didn’t see anything related to this research. If it’s so great I would think they would be all over this as they don’t want to think about basketball right now. I did not see anything in published journals or patents directly from the Suib group (the group that researches fuel catalysts at improvements at UCONN). Nor was there information on his group site regarding this wonderful discovery. If anyone can recall from Purdue…”BUBBLE THEORY!” (Oh this hurts as it’s my alma matter)
Suffice it to say, chemically speaking this is bogus. Improvements are not going to be magical. They will be through keeping your car running properly and maintaining your emissions system.
Being a chemist, I was curious about this and am not surprised. The most reasonable aspect of the research is the addition of this “catalyst” that contains arsenic, lead and a few other compounds that will prevent the growth of micro-organisms. These microorganisms can have a detrimental effect on fuel, but only if you’re letting it sit for months at a time. If that’s the case, then this would NEVER pay off because you’re just not buying enough gas.
If someone will find more “science” on this and not anecdotal claims from companies that stand to profit from people, then maybe I’ll change my tune.
King Meandor, I’d like to thank you for taking your time to reply to my post. This product was suspect to me from the start, but you never know until you look into it. you informative responce has been very helpful and I look forward to your responce to future questions or advice I have. Thank you again.
Rich,
No problem. Keep in mind that this is my opinion. I am not proving that it doesn’t work, I’m just saying that I didn’t find unbiased evidence it works.
You’ll probably find that most people on ETCG are non-believers in additives and distrust when companies or individuals will say “But I saw a 50 MPG increase on my car” or “I got my car to run on water.” Again this isn’t to say they can’t ever work, just chemistry on my part and experience on their part tell us otherwise.
Enjoy your stay!
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