Rajan Wilcox
Fuel catalysts are devices that improve combustion by increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. They are installed in the fuel line of an engine, much like a fuel filter, and work by causing a chemical reaction that breaks down long-chain hydrocarbons into smaller, more combustible molecules. This results in a more complete burn, leading to reduced fuel consumption, improved engine performance, and lower emissions. Unlike fuel additives, catalysts do not dissolve or get consumed in the reaction and can last for years without requiring maintenance or replacement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change |
| Purpose | To improve combustion, increase fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions |
| Installation | In the fuel line of any engine, like a fuel filter |
| Maintenance | Maintenance-free |
| Warranty | 250,000 miles or 5,000 operating hours |
| Benefits | Increased fuel economy, lower emissions, more power, less maintenance, enhanced engine life |
What You'll Learn
How to install a fuel catalyst
Installing a fuel catalyst can improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency and performance while reducing emissions. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install a fuel catalyst:
Step 1: Purchase a Fuel Catalyst
First, you will need to purchase a fuel catalyst suitable for your vehicle. There are different types of fuel catalysts available on the market, such as the Fitch Fuel Catalyst or Fuel Cat, which offer easy-to-install DIY kits. Ensure that you select a product that is compatible with your vehicle's engine size and fuel type (gasoline, diesel, propane, etc.).
Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle
Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Locate the fuel tank and ensure you have the necessary tools to access it. For some vehicles, you may need to raise the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands for easier access to the fuel tank. Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.
Step 3: Access the Fuel Tank
Before beginning the installation, it is recommended to wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety goggles. If you are working with a fuel-injected vehicle, relieve the fuel system pressure and disconnect the negative battery cable. For carbureted vehicles, disconnect the fuel line at the carburetor inlet. Now, carefully access the fuel tank. This may involve removing the fuel tank cap, unscrewing bolts, or disconnecting fuel lines, depending on your vehicle's configuration.
Step 4: Install the Fuel Catalyst
For drop-in fuel catalysts, simply insert the cartridge(s) into the fuel tank through the filler neck or opening. Ensure that the cartridges are securely placed and will not obstruct the fuel pump or sender unit. For inline fuel catalysts, refer to the product instructions for proper installation. This may involve splicing the catalyst into the fuel line or using OEM SAE or SLC quick connect fittings. Ensure all connections are secure to prevent fuel leaks.
Step 5: Reassemble and Test
Once the fuel catalyst is installed, carefully reassemble any components that were removed to access the fuel tank. Reconnect the fuel lines, battery cable, or any other disconnected components. Start the engine and check for any fuel leaks. Let the engine run for a few minutes to ensure stable operation.
Step 6: Monitor Performance
After installing the fuel catalyst, pay attention to your vehicle's performance. You may notice improvements in fuel efficiency, increased horsepower, smoother idling, and reduced emissions. Depending on the condition of your engine and fuel system, you may experience a break-in period before achieving maximum benefits. During this period, the fuel catalyst may clean carbon buildup, resulting in dirtier engine oil. Therefore, it is recommended to change the engine oil after the initial break-in period.
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How to use a fuel catalyst with a catalytic converter
A fuel catalyst is a pre-combustion fuel treatment device that improves combustion. It is installed in the fuel line of an engine, much like a fuel filter. The Fitch Fuel Catalyst, for instance, reformulates gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, propane, and natural gas, causing the reformulated fuels to produce more energy during combustion. It is a true catalyst that causes one or more chemical reactions but does not participate in them.
A catalytic converter, on the other hand, is an exhaust emission control device that converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants. It is usually used with internal combustion engines fuelled by gasoline or diesel.
The Fitch Fuel Catalyst can be used in conjunction with a catalytic converter. The former pre-treats the fuel before the combustion process and increases combustion efficiency, thereby reducing the creation of pollutants. The latter is installed at the end of the combustion process and removes pollutants after they have already been created.
The use of both a fuel catalyst and a catalytic converter can help extend the useful life of the catalytic converter.
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How to use a fuel catalyst to reduce emissions
A fuel catalyst is a device that improves combustion by reformulating fuel, causing it to produce more energy during combustion. It is installed in the fuel line of an engine, similar to a fuel filter. It is a maintenance-free product that does not require refuelling at every refill like fuel additives.
Fuel catalysts can be used in a variety of applications, including automotive, recreational power sports, power generation, commercial and residential heating, buses, marine equipment, farm machinery, stationary pumps, and generators.
The use of a fuel catalyst can result in the following benefits:
- Increased fuel economy: The catalyst reformulates fuel, allowing for more complete combustion and thus, more energy extracted per gallon. This leads to improved fuel economy and reduced fuel consumption.
- Lower emissions: As the catalyst improves combustion, it also reduces toxic emissions in the form of greenhouse gases, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, particulates, and soot.
- Enhanced engine life: By reducing carbon buildup in the engine, the catalyst helps extend the life of the engine and reduces maintenance costs.
- Improved engine performance: The catalyst can increase torque, horsepower, and octane, leading to better engine performance.
To use a fuel catalyst to reduce emissions, follow these steps:
- Purchase a fuel catalyst: Choose a reputable brand that suits your specific engine and application.
- Install the fuel catalyst: Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation. It is usually installed in the fuel line of the engine, similar to a fuel filter.
- Monitor emissions: After installing the fuel catalyst, keep track of your vehicle's emissions levels by performing regular emissions tests.
- Compare results: Compare the emissions results before and after installing the fuel catalyst to quantify the reduction in emissions.
- Maintain the fuel catalyst: While fuel catalysts are generally maintenance-free, it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for any specific care or maintenance requirements.
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How to use a fuel catalyst to improve fuel economy
A fuel catalyst is a device that improves fuel economy by enhancing the combustion process. It does this by altering the shape, temperature and speed of the burn, making combustion more complete and efficient. This results in greater engine efficiency and improved fuel economy.
The Fitch Fuel Catalyst, for example, is a pre-combustion fuel treatment device that improves combustion by re-refining the fuel immediately prior to combustion. It breaks down long-chain hydrocarbons into smaller, higher-energy, more combustible constituents, which burn more efficiently. This leads to reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions, and increased power.
Fuel catalysts can be installed in the fuel line of any engine, similar to a fuel filter. They are maintenance-free and can last for years or the life of the engine.
When choosing a fuel catalyst, it is important to distinguish between fuel catalysts and fuel additives. Fuel additives are chemical substances added to fuel to improve certain properties, whereas fuel catalysts do not add anything to the fuel but instead affect the fuel to improve combustion.
By using a fuel catalyst, you can improve your vehicle's fuel economy, reduce emissions, and enhance engine performance. It is a simple and effective way to get more out of your fuel and contribute to a cleaner environment.
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How to use a fuel catalyst to increase horsepower
The Fitch Fuel Catalyst is a pre-combustion fuel treatment device that improves combustion. It is installed in the fuel line of any engine, much like a fuel filter. It is a maintenance-free product that lasts for up to 250,000 miles or the life of the engine.
The Fitch Fuel Catalyst works by causing a complex chemical reaction that breaks down long-chain hydrocarbons into smaller, higher-energy, and more combustible constituents, which burn more efficiently. This process is patented and proprietary to Advanced Power Systems International, Inc.
The use of the Fitch Fuel Catalyst can result in increased horsepower and torque. It reformulates gasoline and diesel, allowing for a more complete burn and enabling you to extract more energy per gallon from your engine. This leads to improved fuel economy and enhanced engine performance.
- Ensure you have purchased the correct size unit for your engine. The Fitch Fuel Catalyst is available in different models, and sufficient catalytic material must be present based on the fuel flow of the engine.
- Install the Fitch Fuel Catalyst in the fuel line of your engine. It is easily installed, often using OEM SAE or SLC quick-connect fittings. For vehicles without quick-connect fittings, you may need to splice the Fitch unit into the fuel line.
- For pre-1980 "classic" vehicles, installation is simple. Drop the "drop-in" cartridges directly into the fuel tank through the filler line.
- The Fitch Fuel Catalyst is also available as an easy-to-install "bolt-on" DIY kit or a drop-in tank application.
- After installation, you may notice an increase in horsepower and improved engine performance. The extent of these benefits depends on the age and condition of your engine, how the engine is being used, and the quality of the fuel being burned.
- The Fitch Fuel Catalyst can also provide additional benefits such as reduced emissions, improved fuel economy, enhanced engine life, and lower maintenance costs due to reduced carbon buildup.
By following these steps and tips, you can effectively use the Fitch Fuel Catalyst to increase horsepower and improve the overall performance of your vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
A fuel catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction, allowing fuel to burn more efficiently and reducing emissions. It is installed in the fuel line of an engine and can be used with any type of liquid fuel.
A fuel catalyst induces reactions in the fuel, causing it to combust more efficiently and completely. This results in reduced emissions, improved fuel economy, and increased power.
The benefits of using a fuel catalyst include increased fuel economy, lower emissions, more power, reduced maintenance, and enhanced engine life. It also improves engine performance and reduces pollution and toxic emissions.
Fuel catalysts are easy to install and can be placed in the fuel tank or fuel line, depending on the size of the engine. For small engines, a small unit called a "Drop-In" is inserted into the fuel tank. For larger engines, a canister-style catalyst is installed in the fuel line.
