PMF went to visit Top Gear Tuning, the company responsible for supplying the HydroFlow decarbonising machines.
Carbon deposits build up over time, creating obstructions within the internal parts of the engine. Difficult to detect – these obstructions can result in increased fuel consumption and poor emissions at a minimum. At worst, they can cause engine failure, often requiring costly repair.
Top Gear Tuning explains that HydroFlow generates ortho-Oxyhydrogen gas through the electrolysis of water, inducing combustion to release deposits. It sounds technical in concept, but in actuality it is relatively straightforward. Factors should be able to explain the process of operating this machine, as well as its benefits, to their customers.
It is worth mentioning that the only mechanical element to the cleaning process is connecting the device to the air intake. This means minimal training or experience is required to undertake a clean. If possible, the technician should conduct a pressure test before beginning to check for any leaking gas. The engine is started, and a pedal depressor is used to maintain approximately 1,800rpm. It must remain running throughout the entirety of the process.
The machine then does the work. It produces a gas, which, when channeled through the air intake, increases both the temperature and explosive force of the combustion within the ‘hot side’ of the engine. The increases in temperature and force result in carbon deposits being stripped away and burnt off from all major components of the engine and exhaust system, including EGR valve, turbo, pistons, cylinders, Lambdas, spark plugs, DPFs, CATs and silencers. It’s important to note that Hydrogen has to burn at a hotter temperature than oxygen for the carbon to be affected.
The entire running process takes on average 30 minutes for petrol engines and one hour for diesel engines. It’s likely that by the end of the process, some carbon will end up in the DPF, but nothing too stubborn, allowing remnants to naturally be burned off while the vehicle is driven. It is possible to conduct diagnostic work – on EGR valves, for example – during cleaning, which is of substantial benefit to a technician. The final result is improved MPG and potentially even improved performance.
The company notes that this isn’t always an outright fix to engine problems; it works better as a preventative measure. If done regularly, a vehicle may experience no EGR problems until at least 70,000 miles. It suggests that if an engine management light has been on for a year, it may already be too late.
A garage’s customers will appreciate the following benefits from a HydroFlow service:
- Savings in fuel (estimated 8-15%)
- Prevention against excessive wear and tear
- A potential increase in engine performance and efficiency
- A reduction in smoke and emissions
- Chemical-free process
Some frequently asked questions about the HydroFlow machine:
Does HydroFlow require a dedicated operator?
“Although we provide training as part of your signup process, once the feed is connected to the air intake, HydroFlow can be operated by almost anybody – even with no training.”
Is it true that all it requires is just water?
“Distilled Water to be precise, but other than being plugged into an electrical outlet, all HydroFlow machines require no on-going expensive consumables.
How is HydroFlow marketed?
“We have a dedicated website at www.hydroflow.info, featuring a map of all registered Service Centres. We also supply branded promotional material for garage receptions or showrooms.”
