Freight free in Australia! Permanent Engine Protection for cars, trucks, motorbikes, boats, planes, heavy equipment and small engines.

Testing (DIY)

Q How do you know it's working?
A Do some tests.

Possible DIY (Do It Yourself) tests include:

1) Fuel Economy

Keep a log book, reset your trip meter each trip and fill the tank to the top each time you fill the car (to ensure consistency). The longer you keep your log book before adding the Xcelplus the more accurate your measurements will be.

2) Wear

You can send the oil to a lab for analysis when you change it (do a before & after test).

You can start using a magnetic sump plug: Make a note of how much metal collects on the sump plug normally and then check how much you get after adding Xcelplus.

3) Temperature  
An LCD thermometer with a probe will can be used to take a temperature reading before and after.  

An Infra-Red (IR) non-contact temperature gauge is an even simpler method of testing engine temperature. IR temperature gauges can tell the temperature without touching the engine but are not as accurate.

Nb. Testing temperature is only accurate on an air cooled engine (or one without a thermostat). On a water cooled engine the thermostat will work to keep the temperature constant. Thus car temperature gauges are not a good way of estimating the temperature of an engine... because the thermostat will compensate for any change. More complicated equipment like data loggers would probably be required to test an engine with a thermostat.

Because they run at greater temperatures air cooled engines probably have the greatest potential for a reduction in temperature.

Remember to keep all variables constant: Measure in the same place. Test at the same atmospheric temperature and pressure. Idle the vehicle the same amount of time. Testing at multiple locations is the most accurate way to test... because the temperature of the engine may vary quite dramatically at different locations.

4) Compression

Test across all cylinders and write the readings in your log book before treatment. Repeat compression test after treatment.

5)  Noise

Make a note of engine noise noting the location and type of sound. Use a sound meter if possible.

6) Starting

Note how long it takes to start the vehicle before and after... or how hard it is to turn the engine over. How cold the day is makes a big difference Nb. Starting on cold days drains the battery more than on warm days and is likely to show the greatest improvement.

7) Exhaust emissions

Note the colour of your spark plugs before & after. The lighter the plug the cleaner the burn. 

Note the amount of carbon collecting at the end of your exhaust pipe. The less carbon the cleaner the engine.

Note the amount of smoke your vehicle blows and the colour (blue or black) before & after.

Your local mechanic probably has an emissions tester: Levels of 02 (oxygen), CO2 (carbon dioxide), CO (carbon monoxide), NOx and total level of unburned hydrocarbons. Do a before & after test. 

8) Power

Use a dynamometer if possible.  Engines become more responsive after treatment Nb. Seat of the pants power estimates are notoriously inaccurate. Quieter means more power not less!

9) Breakdowns

If you keep a log book you should log your breakdowns before & after. Note if they change. Most engines today are very reliable so this is no longer as useful as it used to be.

10) Electrical

Many electrical parts last longer because they are less stressed e.g. Brushes in starter motors last longer as it takes less power to turn an engine over. Batteries will last longer because it takes less power to turn over an engine. Spark plugs can last longer because they are less likely to become fouled. Keep a log book and compare your vehicle to similar vehicles to see if the incidence of problems is reduced. These are long term tests usually stretching over  years.

The type of measurements you undertake can reflect the kinds of problems you encounter and the type of engine you are treating. This list is there only as a starting point. Make sure you give the treatment enough time to work before testing.