Step1
Research!!! Know your stuff. People know less, and less about their cars today, and automobiles have become increasingly more sophisticated. Go to the library, or book store, and buy a basic guide to automotive mechanics, or internal combustion engines etc... How can you spot a scam if you don't know the first thing about the technology? This is a old science being newly applied for the first time on a large scale to a modern application, and it's still a little quirky, but big advances are being made almost daily.
Step2
Don't be too quick to make your mind up pro or con about the issue. Convince yourself first. I have written several articles for the home experimenter to help build a few simple "proof of concept" devices to play with. They are not however professional grade products nor will they get the kind of results that a professional product with trained technician installation will get. They are proof of concept, and they are free plans similar to those that some sites sell for up to $100. Many so called experts are poopooing this technology as fraudulent, yet I install them every day with great success, and can tell you in great detail about how they work, but you have to understand internal combustion engines intimately to grasp the concept.
Step3
Be very careful about internet marketing ploys in this field. There are many times more snake oilers than reputable retailers. Making the water gas is really easy, tuning the modern car to take advantage of the changes is almost impossible for the average car owner, but they don't want to tell you that. They just want your money right now, so they tell you how easy it is to use their overly simple device to change the signal on 1 or 2 sensors and viola! You have a 100 MPG car! Oh, if it were only so simple. Unfortunately their aren't many mechanics yet that have the knowledge, and experience to re-tune a modern ECU(your car's computer) to use water gas technology. In fact most mechanics are taught not to modify the car's control system at all. So if most mechanics can't do it yet, what are the chances John Doe car owner is going to have more success? Zilch. I have heard multiple horror stories of misguided economy seekers causing hundreds of dollars of damage or just not being able to get their cars back together trying to install a hydrogen system on the cheap. Even when they are successful in getting it to work the results are marginal, and not nearly as good as a professional installation. The guys on the internet with the cheap do it yourself plans had a lot more help than they are telling you to get those great big fuel economy numbers.
Step4
When shopping for a hydrogen hybrid conversion, look for a system that looks professionally made. Steer clear of glass jars, and radio shack components. Don't even bother with Ebay. If they suggest using baking soda for a permanent install, run! There are several reputable suppliers out there, and I am not pushing for any certain one, this article is to help you make an unbiased, informed decision. Look for a system that properly addresses ECU control. They should have more than just 1 device for this, or if it is a single device it should address all aspects of engine control. They should have a means of addressing intake air temperature sensor, coolant temperature sensor, upstream and downstream O2 sensors, MAP and MAF sensors, ignition timing, and possibly injector pulse width. Most internet marketers can't even tell you what all those things are for, or why they are all critically important, but you are going to research the terms, and know why they are so important because you are going to learn how to get the very best system for your money.
Step5
Get it installed right. Find a mechanic with experience in HHO conversion. Would you go to an oil change shop to have your car painted? A professional installation makes all the difference in the world. The best retailers of hydrogen conversions are working on networks of trained installers of their systems, even if you have to travel out of town to have an installation done, it will be worth the drive. Professionally installed, and tuned high end systems consistently get results no lower than 30% increase, worst case scenario, and most are in the 50% - 100% increase range. On rare occasions increases of over 100% have been seen, but are not typical.
Comments
bigfry78 said
on 8/17/2008 Yea, researching this right now as well... I spend 200 a week on gas. THAT ADDS UP FAST!!!
gormanwvzb said
on 8/5/2008 This is a very interesting topic. I have been reading several articles about it. The most recent I read was titled "HHO or HHype" found at http://economicefficiency.blogspot.com/2008/07/hho-or-hhype.html
I still would like to see a 3rd party lab provide some data.
amylaine said
on 7/12/2008 Interesting, great article.