homemade octane booster?
Elder User
Joined: May 2002
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Originally Posted by BB
I haven’t heard anyone suggest mothballs, it used to be an old trick. What are mothballs made of now-a-days? The active ingredient is naphthalene and that’s what’s in most octane boosters.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Iowa
Originally Posted by gtex
I've often pondered a supplemental injection system, fueld by the naturally occuring by-product resulting from the the Taco Bell reaction.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: I live in Calif. near S.F
I"ve done that ,,,,
Originally Posted by BB
I haven’t heard anyone suggest mothballs, it used to be an old trick. What are mothballs made of now-a-days? The active ingredient is naphthalene and that’s what’s in most octane boosters.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,130
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From: Brea CA
Ok I did a little checking around and it looks like there are two different formulations for mothballs, one is naphthalene and the other more common one is paradichlorobenzene. Naphthalene is basically two benzene rings hooked together by a common carbon atom. It is a dirty burning fuel because the ratio of carbon to hydrogen is high. Use too many mothballs and the engine will load up with carbon deposits. I remember we used to poke only a few mothballs per tank. I’m not sure you would want to do that now with fuel injection and catalytic converters. Even though both mothballs will burn, you don’t want to use the paradichlorobenzene ones, it will form hydrochloric acid (HCI) upon combustion, not good for engine internals! Oh well, it's fun to talk about.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Edmonds
Rubbing alcohol
Any one ever try to add rubbing alcohol ? I saw that in a thread not too long ago. I really haven't done much testing. I cleaned out a gas can with the stuff, and added some 87 octane fuel. Engine actually seems to run better with just a cap full to a gallon.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
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From: Iowa
Yeah, my dad put some rubbing alcohol in an old lawnmower. It ran great on it. Make sure you get the 90-95% stuff, not the 30% with 70% water.
My ethanol idea is progressing; I have ordered the still and boiler plans. Hopefully sometime this summer I'll be able to thumb my nose at the gas stations!
My ethanol idea is progressing; I have ordered the still and boiler plans. Hopefully sometime this summer I'll be able to thumb my nose at the gas stations!
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34
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From: Edmonds
99% rubbing alcohol
Tried it today, Engine runs smoother, but seems to be burning more fuel. the mpg has gone down. In another thread a guy has been testing acetone and he says 8 oz per full tank seems to give him about 10% better mpg. I got a quart of the stuff I'll be trying it after I get a few things fixed on the truck.
On another note. I found a huge leak in my secondary tank today. Just a reminder to check those things.... hate to pay for gas that just ends up on the ground.
On another note. I found a huge leak in my secondary tank today. Just a reminder to check those things.... hate to pay for gas that just ends up on the ground.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: East haven ct
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