8.10: Can magnets improve fuel efficiency or descale pipes? (Strange Machines: Free Energy and Anti-Gravity)
Description
This article is from the Scientific Skepticism FAQ, by Paul Johnson Paul@treetop.demon.co.uk with numerous contributions by others.
8.10: Can magnets improve fuel efficiency or descale pipes? (Strange Machines: Free Energy and Anti-Gravity)
Both of these questions come around fairly regularly. Some companies
sell magnets which clip around pipes. Sometimes they are sold for use
in hard water areas, where they are supposed to prevent the buildup of
limescale. On other occasions they are sold for cars, where they are
supposed to increase fuel efficiency.
Neither of these claims has ever been substantiated by careful
testing, and there is no theoretical explanation for the supposed
effects. The advertisers try to make it sound like there is, but its
actually just pseudo-scientific eyewash.
Note that in some cases installing the fuel magnets according to the
instructions *will* give increased fuel efficiency. This is because
the instructions tell you to adjust the carburettor. The result is
that the engine runs leaner than it was designed to, causing higher
production of nitrous oxides and a shorter life. The magnet has
nothing to do with it.
If this worked then car companies would install it themselves and
hence sell more cars.
Continue to:
My Books
