Hi, I am a new member. I have a TJ Magna that i would like to get better fuel economy out of. I do a lot of highway kays and the less fuel i use the better. Recently i have been looking at fuel catalysts like this one http://fitchcatalyst.com.au/. Has anyone here had any experience with these at all and would you recommend it?

Caveat emptor - let the buyer beware. Do a Google on Fuelstar/Fitch/Doring/etc ....they all claim to do the same thing which is save you money on fuel. Trouble is that none of them say why new car manufacturers don't fit them as standard or endorse them.....hmmm, wonder why.

Just in case you really are serious and not just having a laff at responses, or trying to start a war of some sort - the link states:

"As fuel passes over the catalyst media, several subtle but important reactions occur changing the structure of molecules to a state that allows for a more thorough combustion."

What are these reactions? Not explained.
What is the catalyst? Not explained.
But if you believe in Magic, buy one.

CHEMISTRY 101: Catalysts need to be in contact with the chemicals they cause reactions in, sometimes over a long period of time and at high temperature and pressure. Not a quick flow past it, as here.

As hako states, why would manufacturers NOT include such a device in new cars?

As hako states, why would manufacturers NOT include such a device in new cars?
It's all a conspiracy by the oil companies, just like the reserves 'drying up'. They just want more profit, so they raise the price up for 10-15 years and then suddenly discover a massive new reserve, right before the launch of next generation electric cars with the new battery technology they're keeping from us.

Peter Brock was sucked in by a crowd that claimed that their device magnetically lined up all the metal molecules, or some such crap, which of course gave smoother running, easier starting, longer life of plugs, better economy, etc etc. Snake oil salesmen like these keep on coming back.

And I'm old enough to remember when Joh Bjelke-Peterson was conned by a guy who had harnessed nuclear fusion to run his car. To prove it he displayed a modified Fairlane with a big black box in place of the carby, in which we were assured the fusion was taking place.

In fact it is very hard to beat the laws of chemistry and physics. If this "catalyst" was worth it, new car makers would recommend it.

And as for the old "the oil companies buy up these gadgets to keep them off the market": bunkum. Remember, if a new car maker, such GM, Toyota, Ford, or Mitsubishi (pretty powerful names??) got hold of a device that genuinely made their car more economical than the others, it would be an unbeatable marketing device.

Actually, none of the above is true. The reality is that I (yes, ME) am a central player in the giant oil-company-fuel conspiracy, and BIG OIL sends me a $100,000 cheque every month to keep my mouth shut.

You decide.

Put it on gas. Thats the LONG term solution. Saving 2L 100k's now is a short term solution.

How much stuff do you carry in your boot? Is there anything in the car that you dont need to carry around everywhere but still do that you can take out? Not the spare tyre or anything like that, but the less weight the less fuel you will use.
Ive also heard that a lot of those fuel catalysts and fuel streamliners and molecular alignment clamps usually have at most a few magnets in them if anything, if you really want you could try a few magnets on a fuel line. Just keep powerful magnets away from anything electronic etc.

It's all a conspiracy by the oil companies, just like the reserves 'drying up'. They just want more profit, so they raise the price up for 10-15 years and then suddenly discover a massive new reserve, right before the launch of next generation electric cars with the new battery technology they're keeping from us.

It's ok, WikiLeak is onto them. lol

;1363608']Put it on gas. Thats the LONG term solution. Saving 2L 100k's now is a short term solution.


How much stuff do you carry in your boot? Is there anything in the car that you dont need to carry around everywhere but still do that you can take out?

Two good suggestions. Also try to combine several short trips into one long one. Makes a huuuuuuge difference. My twice a week drive to the shops 500m away to buy the paper chews the fuel like you wouldn't believe. lol

Just in case you really are serious and not just having a laff at responses, or trying to start a war of some sort - the link states:



Why would i be having a laugh at peoples responses? I asked a genuine question. All i wanted to do is hear from people who have one or know someone with one so i can make my mind up about them.

To answer everyone else my car is a wagon so boot space is not an issue. I have thought about lpg but money is tight so a conversion would be out of the question at the moment.

Why would i be having a laugh at peoples responses? I asked a genuine question. All i wanted to do is hear from people who have one or know someone with one so i can make my mind up about them.

Because anyone with a basic knowledge of catalyst chemistry, and past examples of "magic fuel consumption enhancers" knows this is just another example of snake oil, that's why!

Read cooperplace's post again, he is right on the money! (except for the last bit lol)

We are all in the same boat, $20 of fuel doesn't get you as far as it used to, but that is due to the price of petrol more than anything else.

This line is a dead giveaway its snake oil:
" As a refinery uses heat and pressure to “crack” or refine the fuel, the Fitch Catalyst “re-refining” process takes place on board a machine at ambient temperature."

Ever seen the size or complexity of a refinery cracking plant? No way you are going to do that at ambient temperature, or on such a small scale! lol It's pure Mumbo Jumbo, pure pseudo-science!

BUT it's your money, go buy one, and let us know if it works!

Because anyone with a basic knowledge of catalyst chemistry, and past examples of "magic fuel consumption enhancers" knows this is just another example of snake oil, that's why!

Read cooperplace's post again, he is right on the money! (except for the last bit lol)

We are all in the same boat, $20 of fuel doesn't get you as far as it used to, but that is due to the price of petrol more than anything else.

This line is a dead giveaway its snake oil:
" As a refinery uses heat and pressure to “crack” or refine the fuel, the Fitch Catalyst “re-refining” process takes place on board a machine at ambient temperature."

Ever seen the size or complexity of a refinery cracking plant? No way you are going to do that at ambient temperature, or on such a small scale! lol It's pure Mumbo Jumbo, pure pseudo-science!

BUT it's your money, go buy one, and let us know if it works!



MadMax is right, don't waste your hard-earned on a "catalyst" unless you are willing to chalk it up as a learning experience. The sad reality is that to get the best fuel economy you need a well-maintained vehicle (with all that entails), with a minimum of junk in it, driven gently, with as few short trips as possible. As a bicycle owner I know that the surefire way to reduce my fuel bill is to sometimes ride the bike. I know this doesn't work for lots of people, with whatever their situations are.

And do the arithmetic: you might save "x" $$ by trading over to a eg Prius, but what are the total costs in changing over?

It's a nice thought, add an in line doohicky to your fuel line and get 1,250 mpg! Add a Brock polariser and a Flux Capacitor and the car will be making petrol, rather than using it! If only . . . . .


Ain'tgonnahappen though!



http://automotiveseoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/snake-oil.jpg

It's a nice thought, add an in line doohicky to your fuel line and get 1,250 mpg! Add a Brock polariser and a Flux Capacitor and the car will be making petrol, rather than using it! If only . . . . .


Ain'tgonnahappen though!



http://automotiveseoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/snake-oil.jpg

although there has been great feedback and customer testimonials on both the K9-P and Unicorn W33

my petrochemical engineer mate explained the process of fuel chain cracking... in a nutshell it take hoots of energy and lasts only minutes before the fuel reverts back to its natural state, hence why the petrol companies havent released a higher mileage fuel.... and they would if they could, not that it would be any cheaper to the end user.

Customer testimonials? lol

Hell, here's one!
================================================== ====================================

Dear Sir,
I have been using your Unicorn X-34 in line fuel catalyst now for 3 months, and all I can say is WOW! All of the claims are true! My car's fuel consumption has improved from 12 MPG to 200 MPG, the oil now stays clear, and the windscreen never needs cleaning, as you have claimed. The paint is shinier, and the tyres have grown some of their tread back! A miracle addition to my car for sure, more people should use it. If they only knew! Well worth the $10 down and $5 per month in perpetuity that the unit cost me!

Regards
A happy customer.
Gnome, Alaska.
Hummer V8 owner.
================================================== ====================================

How about independent engineer's reports and factual in field testing instead of testimonials? lol
I just made that up. Give me $200 and I will write you one for any gadget, sight unseen. lol

You really want to save money on fuel?

Sell your magna and buy a Golf TDI.
Drive it like a granny everywhere, fit low rolling resistance tyres pumped up to 45psi and remove everything unnecessary- spare, tools, backseats, seatbelts, airbags, front or rear brakes, etc.
Keep it only filled up to half as a max, and go LPG injection.

Now you're getting 3.5-4L/100km. Enjoy doing 80kph on the freeway to save fuel.

If your magna has seriously bad fuel economy, consider doing two things:

1. Replace your O2 sensor
2. Have Malcolm at Mitsfix clean your injectors (less effective, but helps with smoother running, which means a bit less fuel).

You're not going to get this car down below 10 litres per 100km with any form of mixed driving. If you drive on the freeway and ONLY the freeway sure you can, but who the heck does that?