Archives

Tom Baleno – CleanMPG (www.cleanmpg.com) – Sept. 21, 2007

I received the Condensator kit for review and installed it into my 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid. Included was a good length of hose, various other smaller bits of hose, some adaptors to connect the bits of hoses to various sizes of hoses in your vehicle, some zip ties, and of course the instruction sheet.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/100_0459.jpg

The unit itself is very sturdy and looks like it would last the lifetime of the vehicle. It is made of a very thick strong plastic. I was able to install this in my 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid without having to buy any additional pieces of hose or connectors and it only required a screwdriver. However, its bulky size did make my scratch my head for a while trying to figure out where I could get it to fit, and how I could get hoses to it.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/100_0470.jpg
I would say that it probably took 20 to 30 minutes to install. It could take longer depending on the vehicle and if you have to modify your car.

Unfortunately, it did nothing at all.

I removed it and it is being tested on a Ford Ranger. So far with the Ranger is showing the same results. It will be moved over to another vehicle to see if the results are replicated a third time.

One reason I think it didn't work so well is because the 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid is already a very clean engine.

The Condensator is pretty pricey at $179. In my time with it installed, I give it the lowest grade for value because it added nothing. If it ends up working on the Ford Ranger the score will be revised. So far it hasn't.

You didn't mention. Is this the thing thats supposed to seperate good & bad emissions for a 2nd burn through the engine? I found a few links and that seems to be the jist of it and they claim it works better or in addition to the systems already built into the car for just that purpose. Frankly reading most of these sites makes me feel like I'm reading really bad science fiction where people ignore physics and contridict their own science. I'm not saying they do that, it just reads in the same way.

Good luck on the Ranger.

I'll be the one testing it in TorqueNada, a 96 Ranger with 2.3L and 5-spd MT. It wil be installed tomorrow, I expect to test for a few tanks.

I've been using a Condensator on a 2002 Camry LE for 5 years. I can't attest to any increase in MPG because I installed it the first week after I purchased the car. But, the first time I emptied the collection jar I was appalled by the amount of sludge and water it had extracted from the gas. You will need to run more than 1 or 2 tankfulls through in order to appreciate its value. I would'nt leave home without it.

I ran it all summer I think 5 or 6 tanks at least. But my car is a ULEV so probably runs much cleaner than lots of vehicles out there, not sure what the 2002 camry is, but it is possible it doesn't run as clean.

We will have to see with the ranger if there is any improvement.

Hi Tom:

___Thanks for the update as I was wondering where that little add-on went and how it was not going to add anything for those if us that watch our data like a hawk.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

It will be interesting to see if it makes a difference on an older engine. Is TorqueNada using any oil or radiator fluid? The device might make more difference to an engine that had a lot of blow-by that was being sucked out by the PCV.

Update: Installed it yesterday afternoon.
No, TorqueNada is keeping its vital fluids where they belong, well except for power steering fluid (stooopid Ford pumps... they puke big time when FAS'ing if you do any turning, but its not consistent...)

Update: Installed it yesterday afternoon.
No, TorqueNada is keeping its vital fluids where they belong, well except for power steering fluid (stooopid Ford pumps... they puke big time when FAS'ing if you do any turning, but its not consistent...)

Puking Ranger. LOLOLOLOLOL,,,,, GRRRRR

Where is the review?

Review is still in progress, Tom's Civic was the first test vehicle, TorqueNada is the second vehicle...we figured that trying it in both a relatively new and in a somewhat older vehicle would be a bit more fair. I'm looking to log a couple of tanks with it.

$179? That's a ripoff. What makes it so much better than a $10 condensator intended for an air compressor? Is it the magic beads?

I agree that the cleaner the engine the less good it will probably do.

I'm keeping my mouth shut until the actual review is posted, and I'm ready to pounce when it does. :D

Hey, does a review have to be 2000 words. Thanks for reminding me to put up the pictures though.

Update on The Condensator. It has been installed on TorqueNada since 9/23/07, I've put on about 1300 miles or so since then. The device seems to be well made, and installed easily. I received it from Tom with no signs of liquid or sludge in the jar. As of today, I still see no signs of liquid or sludge in the jar. Upon opening the jar, there was a bit of a smell, somewhat expected that there would be. Today I pulled it off temporarily to do a few trips in this weather without the Condensator to see if any difference. Trip home with unit: 38.2 Trip back to work without unit: 38.7 Please note that I usually get a little bit better mpg on the way to work. Traffic conditions were about the same (medium heavy) and weather about the same since trips were about 15 minutes apart.

As an additional note, I checked oil again today, and after 7,000 miles that old blue pig of a Ranger TorqueNada has used only about 1/3 of a quart. I am running AMSOIL synthetic. I do indeed wonder if this device performs only for 'loose' engines, ie those that have some blowby and consume oil at a more frantic rate. Looks like at this point that both Tom's fairly new Honda and my fairly old Ford are too tight to benefit from this device.

It does NOT hurt gas mileage, but it doesn't seem to help it either, so far. I will run a few days without it, then put it back on for a few more days. If the results remain as is, ie no change, then I think I'll give it a shot in the Guzzler. The Guzzler does sip a little oil, about a quart every 2500 miles I believe, so its a bit looser of an engine, and perhaps may benefit from the Condensator. I'll update this again in about 2 weeks.

Oh, man, I forgot to upload the pictures. I have them all nice and resized and stuff on my computer. I'm glad you posted and brought this thread to my attention.

Update on The Condensator. It has been installed on TorqueNada since 9/32/07, I've put on about 1300 miles or so since then.

............ Looks like at this point that both Tom's fairly new Honda and my fairly old Ford are too tight to benefit from this device.

............. so its a bit looser of an engine, and perhaps may benefit from the Condensator. I'll update this again in about 2 weeks.

Hello there.

I thought I'd register and post here because I am also testing the Condensator on my 2002 Sub. Forester. It is about 700 miles into the actual test phase with exact same results so far - nothing. The jar is still clean. I am too pessimistic about the Con working on tight engines. Maybe it helps some on high-mileage motors.

My reports in progress are here:

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=4369&page=7

Cheers.

Well, I think I've given it a pretty good chance on my vehicles. End result: clean jar for both TorqueNada and the Guzzler, no noticeable change in fuel economy either way. I guess that even the Guzzler is still too tight to benefit from it, since it didn't leave any gunk in the jar either after about 900 miles. The only other vehicle I could try it on would be a 1990 Dodge that my daughter bought but can't drive yet (hasn't paid the insurance yet... ) I'm guessing it might be a tad looser of an engine. Or, I can check with my landscaper/snowplower neighbor and see if he wants to put it in one of the 'rolling dead'

This is the most over-priced and over-engineered way to accomplish a little bit of PCV/EGR capture that I have ever seen. On YarisWorld a fellow posted a $30 DIY for a catch can: http://yarisworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=79085&postcount=1

And I found a way to do it for less than $20: http://yarisworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=92340&postcount=18

I capture roughly 3ml of nasty fluid every 1000 miles.


If you enjoy "The Condensator" might I interest you in these other wonderful automotive add-ons?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260148596999

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/M3-SMG-LOOK-SHIFT-PADDLE-FIT-TOYOTA-YARIS-SCION-XB-TC_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33704QQihZ004QQitemZ140140417520QQrdZ1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260148596999

HAHAHHA :D Oh wow that's funny.... but what was even funny was one of the questions a potential buyer asked the seller... I'll quote it for you ;)

Q: my car does not have an anti lock braking system - i am interested in an abs light for my dash - i cannot afford nor am i interested in the actual braking benefits of an abs system - i am solely interested in tricking people into thinking my car is safer than it is. do you or are you looking into prototyping this product - it seems like its up your alley. Aug-17-07
A: We are working on new ideas, thank you.

Priceless... actually most of the "buyer" questions are ridiculously funny.

Hi All:

___If there was ever a thread/review to rip because of the products silliness, this would be it. Although its durability is first rate, the Condensator does nothing and deserves a 0 rating across the board for all the right reasons. I can place a lead brick in the car and it would receive the same rating if you catch my drift ;)

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Exactly. In our tests it did nothing. If you put that brick under your gas pedal, it would probably save more gas that this device did.

The key to these reviews is to look at the value rating. Thats pretty much the assessment of its worthiness to be bought.

Tom, where do you want the 'evaluation unit' sent to?

Hi Ken:

___The garbage can? :D :D :D

___Good Luck

___Wayne

You can pass it on for more testing, but if no one wants it, I don't want it back.

Hey, Guys.

This thing worked for me as designed - it did capture the sludge as promised. This is the primary function of the jar. Forget the MPG part - not much to it IF you have a decent car in decent working shape.

Now, if it cost $50, I'd keep it to do just what it supposed to do - capture the blow-by gunk. At $180 benefit of such investment looses its merit. Because you can get or build a good alternative for under $50. It will do the same job just as $180 one.

BTW: if noone wants that test Condensator unit, I would take it. For a *fair* price. Free is better. :D Do not toss it. It is a good unit, it is just not worth $180.

I purchases a Condensator back in Nov of 2006 and installed it on my '90 Mitz Eclipse with the 1.8L motor ( JDM replacement motor). I was getting, on the average, 27mpg before install.

Now, here we are in Dec of 2007 and have put 14000 miles on that motor, yet my mileage has increase about 2mpg per tankful, which is 13gals. In due actuality, my mileage never changed, even though the bottle is now half full of the black, stinky goo from the blowby that would have gone back into the intake plenum.

The only attribute that I could only figure out of my gradual increase, along with the Condensator, is that, in the summer of 07, switched over to AMSOIL 5w30 in the crankcase and it seems that the syn oils have more slick than the dino oils have.

Many here swear by synthetic. I'm sure that and the fact you were trying to get better mileage (why else would you put in a condensator in the first place) so you were more aware of your driving, probably brought up your mileage.

It, like the "burn water in your vehicle" ad that is seen in this forum, is just a gimmick for the gullible. Forget it. Instead, spend your money on regular maintenance and tune-ups. Drive sensibly - no jack-rabbit starts, no reving the engine, and no trying to be the one at the head of the pack during rush hour. Those are the ways to improve your gas mileage. :)

Hello to all.
I must reply to the threads above.Sounds to me like nobody UNDERSTANDS what the condensator is all about.Its ONLY purpose is to elimenate the OIL from the pcv from entering the combustion chamber.It was NOT intended for more mpg's or ANYTHING else.It just so happens that by far less emissions and POSSIBLE mpg gains are a benaficial side effect.I own since new a 94 5.7 chevy pick up.The sticker claimed 13 city 17 hwy.3 years ago it would not pass emissions.Instead of waisting $150 on parts towards a waiver I chose to buy a condensator.It was a gamble that paid off handsomely.Not only did my truck pass with flying colors my mpg's went from an average of 8 mpg's to 16.I have the Pa emissions reports for the last 13 years to prove the fall and sudden rise in performance.I have since fine tuned this little beauty to improve the overall performance and mpg's.One trick was pullin the o2 sensor out of the mainstream of exhaust with a drilled out sparkplug nonfouler.This worked well in conjunction with removing the fresh air intake for the pcv system from the air cleaner/TBI spacer/adaptor.To see the truck is to see its very well maintained overall and under the hood.I normally tuned it up every year so it would pass.The cat went at 125k miles and I replaced it just before I bought my condensator.With a full tuneup and a new cat it still failed.The cat was $250 alone.I havent tuned it up in 3 yrs and it still runs excellent.I still have to keep up on oil changes and air filters but tune ups are far less often.The engine internally is clean as well because the carbon deposits are decreasing as to increasing without a condensator.If theres anyone who wants to dispute this then bring it.This thing has allready spent alot of time in the court system and has been proven as a FACT that the condensator truely works.It is also a FACT that engine oil wasnt meant to burn.For those who have a condensator, dump the cup of gook or whatever you guys call it into a pan and try to lite it.Wont lite?Now dump the same amount of gas in that same pan of gook and Ill bet the farm it will lite right up.Theres your proof right there.For those so inclined to better your milage, instead of cryin about not knowing what your talkin about, try figuring a way around the ecm system so you can use a fuel supliment like hydrogen wich is a unlimited free fuel source.The narrow band width in the o2 sensors are whats keepin free source at bay.Until some genius finds a way around it were all stuck with what Detroit and Japan have to offer wich aint much seeins the U.S patent office holds over 900 patented carbs that get over 200mpg's.Go figure?

kev, I don't necessarily doubt that it has appeared to work for you. Your comment regarding what the Condensator is all about gives me pause to think: why pay the huge price for a 'brand name' Condensator when you can rig up a jar and hoses for about a 1/10 of the price?

Two of us here tried it on several different vehicles, and didn't end up with anything in the collector jar. No difference in fuel economy over several thousand miles, and in one case, possibly worse FE with the device attached.

Just because the patent office has lots of filings for 200 mpg carbs doesn't mean that they actually work.

I believe you could still do better in your truck by making some changes in your driving techniques. Our Guzzler is EPA rated nearly the same as your truck, actually 1 mpg less for highway, and yet without any special gadgets and trick fuel additives I can generally get 20-22 mpg for extended highway trips. Something to think about.

slowhands,If you like homemade looking contraptions sitting under your hood, thats your perogative.I happen to be a profesional who likes profesional apperance as well as performance, not mickey mouse stuff.The emmisions tests were not going to be performed until I explained to the mechanic the device was going to change his mind.Its illegal to alter emissions equiptment in my area. The mpg increase and savings in that increase in my aplication paid for the unit in 3 fillups.So my inspection mechanic and I like the profesional look of the install wich looks factory.

As for empty collector jars, new cars have tighter clearances (not much blowby if any).You never stated how old your test vehicles are like I did.How about the fresh air intake for the pcv system on your test vehicles? If fresh air is to feed the pcv, then why is the tubing of the "fresh air intake" loaded with the same crap that the tube coming from the pcv valve is full of???Its the sign of a failing or sticking pcv valve. Most car makers have conveniently pluged the fresh air intake tube directly into the airbox or airfilter wich is plumbed directly into the combustion chamber. This way when the pcv valve fails the engine still receives its healthy dose of oil giving you excellent emissions.(what a joke)Its just another example of how poorly cars are designed.God forbid we make a car that last's to long.

As for the "no difference in fuel economy", you simply missed the point of this device,,,again.It aint suposed to give better mpg's.Its designed to let cleaner oxygen get to your lungs and brain so that you may think clearly before you post critisism on something that does work, just not how you wish it would work.

I appologise for not mentioning that I tow a 17 ft speedboat all summer and 2 snowmobiles all winter and the milage I refered to was while towing.

If you want to pinch pennies and have serious mechanics laugh at your cheap imitations thats your perogative.I on the other hand want to let the inventor know how much I truely apriciate his invention.I think the world should thank him for helping to clean up the mess that our car makers have made.

Im sorry,

I also forgot to mention that our lovely car makers have not only caught wind of the condensator but are trying to by the patend so we cant get one.They failed at their feeble atempt so now their designing the "encapsulated pcv system". Look it up and you will find this to be true.For those of you who dont understand, this means the pcv system has become strictly internal and unaccesable from the exteirior of the engine as we know it.Gee I wonder why they did that???

SAVE YOUR MONEY! If I understand it, this device goes between your PCV valve and intake? I want to show you what I installed, 2 of a similar setup for less than 1/2 the price.

I purchased the main units from a company in Canada called "Princess Auto". I don't believe they have stores in the USA. What I purchased was an inline filter for air compressors. I bought these two when they were on sale, for $15 each. You will have to purchase the fittings and some good hose to plumb them in. Below is them installed on my 1999 Dodge Durango.
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj4/fostervs/devices_view.jpg

The left unit is between the PCV valve and intake. I also have a line from right valve cover to intake manifold, so I installed one in that line as well.

Here is left unit
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj4/fostervs/leftunit.jpg

Opening left unit, haven't cleaned for a while
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj4/fostervs/removing_cover.jpg

Wow, nice collection of "goo", cup is about 1/2 full, probably 3 months worth
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj4/fostervs/cup_of_goo.jpg

Cleaned and a new bunch of "dessicant" installed
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj4/fostervs/clean_cup_with_new_dessicant.jpg

Bag of dessicant. The idea is, the dessicant both condenses the non-flammable oil, etc into liquid, as well as absorbing any water vapor. You can find this stuff at an RV parts place.
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj4/fostervs/dessicant.jpg

Cup from right device, not much residue
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj4/fostervs/right_device_goo.jpg

Picture of filter section of device
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj4/fostervs/inside.jpg

I have a similar device installed on my 2001 Pontiac Sunfire, which has collected zero residue in the cup.

Bottom line is, I cannot give you exact before and after mileage increase. It does seem to give me about 1-2 mpg better mileage. However, other Durango owners are amazed with the mileage I am getting.

Kev: I am with you on the idea of filtering what goes to the intake. I put the Condensator on 2007 Hyundai Entourage minivan. It did not do miracles for MPG's, but made a spunky engine quite a bit more so. It also collects plenty of oily sludge. I use Royal Purple synthetic oil, and tried to drive more sensible than not when I first installed the thing, so I got some encouragement. I drive fairly reasonable now, but MPG's vary between 18.8 and 22.5. (80% highway, significant idling with A/C on). It could be that I could do just as well with a deal as shown above. I may want to do that for my daughter's 2003 GMC pickup, with the 4.8 liter V8.

what is the name of this unit FosterVS