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Old 10-21-2008, 05:38 PM   #11 (permalink)
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I don't see how using the same pump at the same gas station and the same grade of gas would get you better FE.

I absolutely agree that doing so would take a set of variables out of your testing and make you tests more valid. I do this myself while testing. Rigorously objective testing is truth.


I tried acetone. No improvement over a 1500 mile test.

I tried two-stroke oil. No improvement over a 1500 mile test.

I wasted a whole testing season (mid-May to late September) on snake oil - which is what I view acetone and/or two-stroke oil.

Acetone is an excellent clean-up solvent and takes off yellow road paint. Its really good prep for a high-quality wax job. But improving MPG? No.

BTW, you can get acetone in a studly container in Lowe's.

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Last edited by Big Dave; 10-21-2008 at 05:44 PM..
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Old 10-21-2008, 05:51 PM   #12 (permalink)
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This is EXACTLY WHY I hoped Acetone would NOT make a difference...
I'm looking at your log... and I honestly don't see a difference.... Acetone #2 was high - but Acetone #3 was lower... Which leads me to think #2 was pump error under fill.

Your 90 day average is 41.61.... Your last 3 fill average is 41.47... Your lifetime is 40.92.... The average of all acetone fills thus far is 41.60. Without doing the math - what you're seeing from tank to tank is statistically insignificant. the variation you're getting is within the normal variation. Your Acetone #2 is only .19mpg higher than your second highest non acetone mpg fill (42.86) - also note the large drop in mpg right after that 42.86mpg fill (down to 38.58).

The service truck was probably to check calibration - which is done periodically to ensure the station isn't screwing you

Quote:
I'll keep adding less n' less Acetone until my mileage peaks, and it starts going the other direction... then, I'll add more n' more and see if it comes back up again. In other words, I'm seeking a 'happy median'.
If you want to do that - with any statistical significance and/or confidence... You need to maintain a consistent mixture over a series of tanks (maybe 1000 miles or more). Then modify the variable and run for another 1000+ miles. Otherwise, there's too many variables.... Unfortunately, weather (seasonal) is going to be a big deal.



The best way to do this would be to have it done blind such that you can't make this claim:
Quote:
The Acetone makes my ride *feel* like I'm running premium gas again (which Honda recommends) although this is likely a placebo effect.
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Old 10-21-2008, 05:52 PM   #13 (permalink)
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Might be a good 'lesson' in this somewhere, no?
Lesson should be: on-road "testing" of additives is next to futile.
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Old 10-22-2008, 01:25 PM   #14 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by trebuchet03 View Post
I'm looking at your log... and I honestly don't see a difference...

Without doing the math - what you're seeing from tank to tank is statistically insignificant...

If you want to do that - with any statistical significance and/or confidence... You need to maintain a consistent mixture over a series of tanks...
Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG View Post
Lesson should be: on-road "testing" of additives is next to futile.
True, on both accounts!

I'm going to continue going through this 16 oz. bottle of Acetone, then call it quits for a while.

There is NO doubt that my car is running 'smoother' with the Acetone, but the FE is all over the place, and it's a PITA to mix. No matter how careful I am, I always end up getting some on my hands/fingers - which is not a good thing, from what I've read...

And, yes, my 'measuring cup' routine leaves a lot to be desired - that alone might explain the wild fluctuations and inconsistency in mileage.

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Old 10-22-2008, 03:03 PM   #15 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackDeuceCoupe View Post
And, yes, my 'measuring cup' routine leaves a lot to be desired - that alone might explain the wild fluctuations and inconsistency in mileage.
If you're doubtful about the precision of the mixture (due to small amounts of additive per fill), premix the entire 16 fl. oz. bottle of additive with gas in a 1 gallon gas can that has been marked (with a sharpie) on the side to indicate the 1 gallon/full point. There are 16 cups in a gallon and 16 oz in the bottle, so 1 cup of premix, partial concentrate = 1 oz full concentrate.

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