Has anyone tried it? Do you think it works?[/SIZE]
Do you believe in magic?
In short, after looking at the manufacturer web site, what they claim is that spark plugs don't fire consistently, due to power fluctuation when you run your stereo, fuzz buster, GPS, thermonuclear shields, flux capacitors, etc., and so the plugs are incapable of burning all the fuel sent their way. What they propose is to add a large capacitor across the terminals of your battery, which will, in their universe, level out the surges, and allow the plugs to work with a consistent voltage.
Now, their theory aside, if your car is designed and wired correctly, the battery, itself, does the job they propose to do with their product. The alternator generates a pre-set current flow adequate to both run your car and charge your battery. Adding a capacitor (which is, in essence, an AC device, not a DC device), adds nothing of value to your car, and the potential for mayhem is introduced. If the capacitor is designed for 12 volts (really, 13.8 volts), and your voltage regulator malfunctions, it could be suddenly subjected to 18-24 volts, which may or may not over-charge it, and cause it to explode (not trying to cause a scare, but I have been around over-charged capacitors - long story - and don't care to have that happen under my hood (or passenger's feet, in this case). More likely, it will actually cause a surge to be sent down the line that could (no matter how unlikely), cause your stereo to fry, burn out your battery, etc.
I would rather put snake oil in my crank case, secure in the knowledge that it will cure what ails my engine, than to trust this product.
If this product doesn't work, I can supply a small quantity of pixie dust that will vastly improve efficiency. Since pixie dust has been proven in various films to induce flight, a small quantity just lightens the vehicle therefore reducing the load on the engine. Make your check or money order payable to...
In short, after looking at the manufacturer web site, what they claim is that spark plugs don't fire consistently, due to power fluctuation when you run your stereo, fuzz buster, GPS, thermonuclear shields, flux capacitors, etc., and so the plugs are incapable of burning all the fuel sent their way. What they propose is to add a large capacitor across the terminals of your battery, which will, in their universe, level out the surges, and allow the plugs to work with a consistent voltage.
Now, their theory aside, if your car is designed and wired correctly, the battery, itself, does the job they propose to do with their product. The alternator generates a pre-set current flow adequate to both run your car and charge your battery. Adding a capacitor (which is, in essence, an AC device, not a DC device), adds nothing of value to your car, and the potential for mayhem is introduced. If the capacitor is designed for 12 volts (really, 13.8 volts), and your voltage regulator malfunctions, it could be suddenly subjected to 18-24 volts, which may or may not over-charge it, and cause it to explode (not trying to cause a scare, but I have been around over-charged capacitors - long story - and don't care to have that happen under my hood (or passenger's feet, in this case). More likely, it will actually cause a surge to be sent down the line that could (no matter how unlikely), cause your stereo to fry, burn out your battery, etc.
I would rather put snake oil in my crank case, secure in the knowledge that it will cure what ails my engine, than to trust this product.
Save your money.
I have seen reverse charged capacitors explode, never an over-voltaged one though.
Capacitors in dc systems can be used to offer short bursts of current the battery is unable to supply for car stereo applications. I have run several car stereos in different vehicles with a capacitor added to provide fast power to subwoofer amplifiers. It makes a difference in the performance of the sub amp but has never improved my fuel economy.
A capacitor will also act as a filter if you have problems with your lights pulsing due to a poorly designed/manufactured alternator/regulator.
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