eBay fuel saving device - FORGET IT!

johnydep · 23-09-2006, 11:16 AM

I was checking out what's on eBay for the Territory when I come across this con:

FORD XR6 FIESTA FOCUS FALCON FAIRLANE ESCAPE TERRITORY
PERFORMANCE CHIP/ FUEL SAVER, EXPLORER COURIER

Performance chip for $60? Yeah sure! http://cgi.ebay.com.au/FORD-XR6-FIES...QQcmdZViewItem

So I cehcked it out and found it a load of crock, and thought I'd warn my fellow forum members.

Here's a clue to why it's bulldust:

Quote:

Fuel/oxygen ratios in modern automobiles are regulated by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Factory ECUs are set to maintain a 14.7:1 Fuel/Oxygen ratio; this is known as a stoichiometric fuel mix.

^^This is 100% true.^^

Quote:

This mix is a balance between power and fuel economy, which is what most automobile buyers are happy with. In general, leaning out the fuel/oxygen ratio will cause a power loss, but fuel economy gain; conversely richening the mix will cause a slight (usually less than 1/2 mpg) reduction in fuel economy, but an increase in power.

^^This is also truthfull, but heading towards the misleading; there is new technology that is taking advantage of lean fuel ratios. Generally, only performance vehicles will get any advantage from a rich mixture.^^

Quote:

The fuel/oxygen ratio must remain between 13:1 and 17:1 to remain efficient, any leaner and the engine will be starved for fuel, any richer and the engine will not be able to combust all of the fuel causing inefficiency.

^^That's true, but the engine ECU/PCM controls the fuel ratio using items such as the Oxygen Sensor to monitor the fuel ratio.^^

Quote:

Performance chips and modules increase performance by adjusting these ratios between 13 and 14.7, the more performance oriented fuel curves.

^^What? That is exactly what the vehicles factory original ECU/PCM does; adjust the fuel ratio for maximum efficiency.^^

From the the photo and the minimal information supplied, the device looks like it connects to the temperature sensor circuit, which will cause a false temperature reading to the ECU/PCM, probably so that the ECU/PCM will adjust for a richer mix. A richer mix will give more power for a flat out test on a dyno, but we don't drive on dyno's, do we?

So what exactly does this device do?

Other than rob people of their well earned cash; at best it does nothing, at worst it will cause problems.

Stay clear of this product, rich mixtures will not give better fuel economy but will cause excess wear.

There are better ways to get better results, they might cost more but quality is not cheap.

johnydep · 23-09-2006, 11:17 AM

I'm moving this to the Pub so that everyone can be warned.

If anyone has purchased this thing, post your thoughts.

mr scotto · 23-09-2006, 11:24 AM

the best fuel saver i have come accross is to lift my right boot.you can get tecnical and check tyre presures and tune your car.

The Monty · 23-09-2006, 01:47 PM

Best thing for saving fuel is a door stop under the accelerator, so you cant accelerate past 3 grand.

Smoked · 23-09-2006, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Monty

Best thing for saving fuel is a door stop under the accelerator, so you cant accelerate past 3 grand.

That could be potentially dangerous. There will be occaisions where you may really need quick aceleration, such as avoiding an accident.

matsbfxr6 · 23-09-2006, 01:53 PM

For $60 certainly doesnt seem right... Thanks for the heads up!

The Monty · 23-09-2006, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smoked

That could be potentially dangerous. There will be occaisions where you may really need quick aceleration, such as avoiding an accident.

Yeah, so true. Always wanted to try it though. It wouldnt be anything worse than trying to accelerate in say a 1987 camry (my old car) LoL. Good pint though Smoked, thanks.

**GasoLane** · 23-09-2006, 09:03 PM

I like the way that, seemingly, the same unit works on everything from a Merc to a Mazda!

Mind you the EF Falcon with dual fuel he has for $455 seems reasonable... as long as it comes with his 'Performance chip/Fuel saver'

EB 2 XR8 · 24-09-2006, 01:08 PM

tune up is the best way to save fuel

Abacus · 24-09-2006, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smoked

That could be potentially dangerous. There will be occaisions where you may really need quick aceleration, such as avoiding an accident.

Errr, I think he just might have been tongue in cheek.

LPG is the best way to save $ on fuel. $500 after rebate. Do the sums.

uranium_death · 24-09-2006, 02:46 PM

Fuel saving devices are all just a marketing ploy, which leaves the clueless vulnerable.

If they really worked, wouldn't the car manufacturers have their own to make their cars more attractive?

All these scams are aimed to appeal to the vulnerable.