Fitch Fuel Catalyst...any experiences/thoughts? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bjcsc · #1 07-01-2003, 07:36 PM

I know a lot of people use this product in marine diesel engines, with great success, to reduce transom soot and emissions, and even to gain an 8% - 10% increase in economy. I am considering using it for my own inboard (volvo penta gas), but was wondering about an MB diesel application. See their web site link below for the details. Has anyone tried it or does anyone know anyone who has? If not, I may be willing to be the guinea on this one...

Fitch Fuel Catalyst

Larry Delor · #2 07-02-2003, 12:07 AM

I've never heard of it, but it sure sounds a lot like Redline's Diesel Fuel Catalyst. Most people swear by it.

bjcsc · #3 07-02-2003, 11:40 AM

I think I'm going to try it out. I can't think of anything negative that can happen from trying it, other than wasting some money if it doesn't work. I haven't heard of Redline's but I'm going to look into that, too. Thanks.

bjcsc · #4 07-02-2003, 11:44 AM

Larry:
I just checked out Redline's. It's a liquid additive. The Fitch product is some kind of alloy tube the fuel runs through, or that you drop in your tank. It's good for 250,000 miles or 5,000hrs of operation. So, it's totally different.

gsxr · #5 07-02-2003, 02:04 PM

This sounds like 100% pure virgin snake oil. I'd save your money rather than drop $150 on a gizmo to toss in the fuel tank...! I'd want to see independant 3rd party test results before & after their "fuel catalyst"...

bjcsc · #6 07-02-2003, 03:45 PM

There were several independant tests done, including one by Yachting magazine, showing their product performed as advertised. Incidentally, only the motorcycle application is dropped into the tank - marine and auto are inline with the fuel line, and the cost is around $300 per unit. I also found this:

"The federal government has awarded $4 million to Advanced Power Systems International (APSI), the company with offices at White Hollow Farm that was founded by John Fitch, a former world-renowned race car driver and the designer and engineer of the race track at Lime Rock Park. U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Johnson announced the award Monday and said it is part of a $44.6 million appropriation for nine defense projects for Connecticut companies. The money was awarded to APSI for two projects involving the Fitch Fuel Catalyst. Three million dollars will be spent by the U.S. Navy to purchase permanent pre-combustion fuel catalysts from APSI for 4,000 of the service's biggest fuel guzzlers, including patrol boats, escort boats, security boats, tugs and workboats.
The Fitch Fuel Catalyst makes engines operate more efficiently so they use less fuel. In some cases, Navy vessels have used as much as 25 percent less fuel when the catalyst was utilized. The other $1 million will be used for further fuel catalyst research on ground-based vehicles. This is the second year the government has invested in APSI. Last year, $500,000 was awarded to the firm for research and evaluation of the catalyst. "The Fitch Fuel Catalyst refines gasoline and other hydrocarbon fuels immediately before combustion in an engine, thereby increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions in Department of Defense vehicles," according to a press release from Johnson's office. Fitch, 85, was one of the most famous drivers in American racing history. He was the only American ever invited to drive on the Mercedes-Benz factory team." - that was in the early 1950's when he raced a 300SL like the one below.

It's a lot of money but I'm getting pretty curious... if I could just get to the point that I trust their guarantee...

bjcsc · #7 07-03-2003, 02:04 PM

VA Dude:
Interestingly enough, they already use this process at refineries - it's called catalytic cracking. Cracking is accomplished several different ways, using a catalyst is one. This is how they break the long heavy crude chains into naptha/diesel/gas, etc.. This product works under the same principle, i.e. breaking long HC chains that result from storage / tank contamination into smaller combustible chains via the use of a catalyst. The theory is proven: the science of it is not really in question, whether it causes a performance/economy increase is the issue.

gsxr · #8 07-03-2003, 02:07 PM

Well, if someone is willing to be the $200 guinea pig, let's see some data! Do a series of MPG test before, and then after. I'm curious myself...

bjcsc · #9 07-03-2003, 04:47 PM

OK, I'm going to do it... I'm going to run my next tankfull around town, to see that I get the 25 or 26.whatever as usual. Then, I'll run out to I-26, fill up at an exit and run to Columbia and back, fillup and see what I got on the highway. Then I'll do the install, give it a tank to settle in and repeat. I'll post the results to this thread when I am finished.

73MB280SEL · #10 07-03-2003, 06:01 PM

snake oil--catalytic cracking takes place at very high temperatures and pressures followed by fractional distillation.

JMHO

sholin

bjcsc · #11 07-03-2003, 10:24 PM

73MB280SEL: What does "sholin" mean?

I know you guys are right re: cracking and the refining process, and the heat required. However, this product isn't trying to make gas or diesel fuel from heavy oil, as refining does. I am as big a skeptic as anyone, yet I still think there's a chance this product may work as described. Today I called the Harley-Davidson dealer here as they are also the Fitch dealer in this area. They'll have to order the unit I need, but they said they recommend the product for use in their bikes. They've tested the product in a softail, using a dyno before and after, and saw a gain of 4-something in horsepower, which is about an 8% gain. There are similar independant results from auto and marine testing as well, with a Toyota Landcruiser diesel reporting an 18% increase in fuel economy. Nonetheless, you may be right, and if afterwards it turns out you were, I'll be the first to say so.

gsxr · #12 07-03-2003, 11:37 PM

Reminds me of the "Platinum Gas Saver" device. It had similar claims and was similar cost. A member of the MBZ lists bought one a couple years ago. I emailed him ~6 months later and asked how it went. He said there was ZERO gain on anything and was embarassed to post it to the list!

At least he told me though. I think this stuff has a little more independant verification but I'd like some more, can't wait to see how yours turns out. How many slugs are you going to put in your tank, or will you use the "inline" unit?

73MB280SEL · #13 07-04-2003, 06:56 AM

Howdy,

Sholin is my middle name--for real, I was born John Sholin Wright.

My mother was a creature of the '60's (I was born in '66). I guess the thinking process where it pertains to the naming of sons/daughters was a little different back then. My sister's name is Shanna.

Sholin (feeling self counscious) in Mustang....

73MB280SEL · #14 07-04-2003, 06:59 AM

p.s. Hey, give this product a try. If it works for you, just post it here. It certainly wont HURT anything to try and it's not like I haven't spent $$$ on items of dubious value before.

Sholin

bjcsc · #15 07-04-2003, 04:47 PM

I'm going with the F200 inline unit. I will post results, good or bad.

Hey, Sholin isn't so bad. I think it's a cool name. I was wondering if it was a forum acronym. My first name is... Most people think it's my last name, or they call me Robert, or they drop the middle syllable and call me... as in "wide richard". My last name is... so ends up being Crawford a lot as well. At least you could write and spell your first name before you were 7! (jk)