shinyhappyzealot Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 I researched the thread over at the the SVX forums after failing the California smog test on my new 1992 SVX LS-L. http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=23796&highlight=xylene I went from a hydrocarbon reading (HC) at idle of 140 (130 max) to 50. Also noticed a considerable increase in acceleration response throughout the powerband read by my trusty butt dyno. I used a full gallon of xylene that cost $23.00 from the local paint store, which is supposedly less harsh compared to toluene. I buffered it with a few jiggers of ATF fluid and Mystery Oil. Anyways, I won't be using it for long term, regular use, but if you get into a situation with a failed smog, consider it. Enough Subaru board members have had success with it. Let me just say, you'll feel some anxiety pouring it into your tank, though. I mixed it in a gas container and it still gave me the heeby geebies. One other thing, I swapped out the clean air filter for my Green panel filter and I drove the car like I stole it just before the test after burning off half of an 18-gallon tank to flush the engine with the new tank. Standard disclaimer - I'm an enthusiast like the rest of the group not a petroleum chemist. My experiences as with others may be purely ancedotal. I post pricincipally to pass information on to the community in need. If you feel passionately either way, certainly keep the the conversation constructive. I hate pissing people off and I'm not here to step on board member toes. A search for "xylene" turned up zero direct hits. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daeron Posted March 10, 2007 Share Posted March 10, 2007 Denatured Alcohol is ALOT cheaper, and IIRC it took HC emissions from a similar level in our '87 E-150 ford van to even lower than yours.. like, 160 --> 10 ppm. the van had dual tanks, so it was easier.. but get a half a gallon of gas in a can, run your tank almost empty (the half gallon is in case you DO run out early) then pour a gallon of denatured alcohol in.. run like a bat out of hell for ten minutes before the test, go in and pass like butter. stop on your way home and fill up with good ol 93 octane (i guess 91 for you cali folks?) I also highly recommend stopping at a barbecue restaurant of your choice for the celebratory meal after passing. Thats what Dad and I did, anyhow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skishop69 Posted March 11, 2007 Share Posted March 11, 2007 So, let me get this straight. You add the xylene directly to the gas tank and drive it like you stole it. (Not hard for me, it's my regular style:burnout: ) Then do you take the test with some of the mixteru still in the tank or do you refill and then take the test. I have to do mine on the XT this week, and I don't want any suprises. Our 4 gas is down at the shop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skishop69 Posted March 12, 2007 Share Posted March 12, 2007 Bump... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingbobdole Posted March 13, 2007 Share Posted March 13, 2007 You leave it in... I tried this(kinda) once... I ran my 80 Rx-7 down to almost no fuel and added some 200 proof everclear... Still failed emissions, but the flames out the back were even more amusing. FYI... E-test guys don't like flames... especially during an idle only test:banana: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daeron Posted March 13, 2007 Share Posted March 13, 2007 Denatured alcohol is alot cheaper, and ALOT less worrisome to pour into your gas tank.. I mean, its an odd feeling putting ANYTHING that isn't petrol in there, but personally, my hands would be shaking somewhat less adding alcohol than adding xylene. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beataru Posted March 13, 2007 Share Posted March 13, 2007 You leave it in... I tried this(kinda) once... I ran my 80 Rx-7 down to almost no fuel and added some 200 proof everclear... Still failed emissions, but the flames out the back were even more amusing.FYI... E-test guys don't like flames... especially during an idle only test:banana: tell them that it is anti-lag :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psylosyfer Posted March 26, 2007 Share Posted March 26, 2007 So, let me get this straight. You add the xylene directly to the gas tank and drive it like you stole it. (Not hard for me, it's my regular style:burnout: )Then do you take the test with some of the mixteru still in the tank or do you refill and then take the test. I have to do mine on the XT this week, and I don't want any suprises. Our 4 gas is down at the shop. Toluene is equivalent to 114 octane non-additive gas, totally safe to mix with premium and burn, Learned this at UCB while getting my engineering degree (not chemical engineering) but I believe the professor who told us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now