The Dutchman Enterprise Hydro Assist Fuel Cell Kit Reviewed

I just received the HAFC kit that is soon to be installed in my 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette mini-van. An appointment has been made with a mechanic in Pequot Lakes, MN to convert my vehicle to a hybrid on June 23rd. I had originally planned on getting the conversion completed with another mechanic in Brainerd, MN, but I just met someone in Pequot that has access to some specialized equipment that could optimize the tuning of the kit. I plan on spending the day shadowing the mechanic and documenting the conversion process through photo's and video. This will be the mechanic's first install, since he's not a certified installer/tuner of the HAFC, but he's extremely knowledgeable and experienced in the systems of the vehicle central to this hybrid conversion.

About The Kit

The kit is packaged in a quality cardboard box that includes a plastic handle to make it easy to carry around. The Hydro Assist Fuel Cell graphic covers the lid of the box. This box arrived via UPS in another brown shipping box that was securely taped. Included with the kit was the complete DVD installation training set and a plastic mixing bottle. The DVD set used to be sold as an installer's certification distance-learning course for $1000.00, but it's now included with every kit so that a customer can hand it over to his mechanic along with the installation manual.

When I finally opened the kit, I found a neatly packaged assembly of various parts and components, some of which were in boxes and others were cleanly sealed in heavy zip-lock bags. At least three different types of hoses were visible. In the photo at left you can see one of the hoses includes a couple of different tools. The installation manual is sitting on the left side of the package, and when I lifted it I found the boxes containing the Fuel Cell and the Reservoir.

Beneath the hoses were the packages containing the Vaporizer and the Optomizer as well as the Caustic and the Covalizer. A syringe and funnel were also included. Overall it was neatly packaged and well organized. The initial impression this gave was of a quality product in which the manufacturer takes pride in delivering a high end kit.

The Fuel Cell

There are two components I was most interested in examining initially. Most people, I think, would want to see the Fuel Cell, and that was my first choice. I wondered what this amazing piece of equipment must look like. The top of the package containing the cell has a photo showing what looks like a metal box, some wires and other hardware. This is a heavy box. In fact, it's the heaviest component in the whole kit. It was difficult removing the Fuel Cell from its container due to the weight of it and the tight quarters shared by the items seen in the packaging graphics. I was surprised to find that the Fuel Cell looks much different than that featured on the cover of the box, and it's much smaller than I had expected. In fact, it's 4" x 5" x 6", and it looks industrial high-tech. I was very impressed with the aesthetics of it.

You can see there is a covering that protects the actual cell. The covering is made of tough plastic that is of the flexible type that will not turn brittle and crack in cold weather. It's secured well but easily removed for access to various parts needed during installation and for maintenance. The dimensions I noted above are of the outside of this plastic housing. The cell appears to be an assembly of several stainless steel plates. There is what appears to be thick aluminum in the center and at the base. The whole unit is held together by heavy nuts and bolts, with some sort of black material (plastic or rubber, perhaps) sandwiched in between the stainless steel. I assume the black material seals everything together to create a water and air tight container in which the HHO gas generation takes place. I found a couple of welds on the unit, but based on descriptions I've heard, I believe there is at least another.

The role of the fuel cell in the HAFC system is to produce HHO gas on demand so that it can be introduced into the motor as fuel. Production of HHO gas occurs only when ignition is on. Because this gas possesses five times the energy of gasoline, it enriches the fuel mix and allows for the leaning back of gasoline. It also improves combustion so that the vehicle's engine runs cleaner, which will make the engine last a lot longer.

I have several glamor shots of the fuel cell that reveal details. As an artist and tech guy, I can't help but admire the formal aspects of these units. They're very interesting objects in and of themselves. You can click on any of the photo's in this article to see larger versions.

The Vaporizer

The next component I opened was the Vaporizer. I had seen photo's of this online before, and it looked like a very interesting piece of equipment. This, too, is a hefty little item measuring 1.5" x 7.5". Like the Fuel Cell, it's a pretty little thing.

The role of the vaporizer is the vaporization and ionization of the fuel to improve combustion of the gasoline. The carved rings probably create greater surface area for transferring heat into the unit. The nice cherry color is most likely just for looks, and I like it. Again, this is a piece of art. It looks like something you might see in a modern art museum, and it's well-crafted as you'd expect of any museum quality work. Ok, I'm getting carried away with the art thing, but it's my way of recognizing a well designed and carefully crafted piece of equipment. Do I have to put these things in my engine? They'd sure look great on the mantle.

Based on what I've read and heard explained by staff at Dutchman, there is a magnetic aspect to the Vaporizer. An easy nail test could confirm this, but I haven't gotten that far. Below are some more glamor shots showing details.

The Optomizer

The next box opened was that of the Optomizer. Compared to the other components I had looked at earlier, this was a light piece. This makes sense since the case of this computer is composed of plastic, and the case contains circuitry, all of which are light-weight materials. The lighter weight didn't suggest cheap, however, as it is a well constructed unit just like the other components.

The role of the Optomizer is to link to the vehicle's on board computer and train it to accept the efficiency gains the system as a whole is introducing to the vehicle. Without this genius piece of equipment, the vehicle would fall back into default after finding it was running more efficiently, and any gains would be gone. The Optomizer teaches the vehicle's computer to work for you, not against you.

And... here are the glamor shots. I know, I just couldn't leave it out of the show, so here you go.

Notice the nice construction and the clear diagram on the outside indicating connections to various sensors and systems of the vehicle. Remember, you can click on any of the photo's to see close-ups.

The Covalizer

At the bottom of the kit, under the hoses and caustic, lay a bottle of the Covalizer. No surprises here, as the container is like any other oil or fuel product I've ever purchased. I did notice in the instructions on the back that adding more than the suggested amount to the fuel does not improve efficiency further. In fact, I've heard it can start to cause a decrease in efficiency if you overdose.

The role of the Covalizer is the breaking of the covalent bonds of the gasoline molecules to enhance combustion. It also lubricates and cleans the motor. As an aside, the chemist that invented this additive lost his plant to an explosion and fire very recently. Dutchman purchased the formula and production rights, so it is now a Dutchman product, and they are producing it. One bottle of this treats 400 gallons, so it should last a long time. It is a consumable within the system, and new bottles of the stuff go for $20.00.

The best way to introduce this to a fuel tank when filling with gas is to measure the quantity needed and pour it into the gas tank using the included funnel before adding fuel. This assures it will get mixed in thoroughly. Here is the back of the bottle with instructions.

This concludes my review of the HAFC kit. There are many other parts included, but the 4 main components have been discussed here. In an upcoming post, I'll be documenting the flushing of the fuel cell prior to it being installed in my vehicle. Apparently some cells have needed to be cleaned of cutting oil left by the manufacturing of the stainless steel plates. This oil must be removed in order for the unit to operate correctly.

Dutchman has provided instructions for mechanics to complete the flushing, and the process is simple enough for anyone to complete. I'll be flushing my cell this week in preparation for next week's installation.

My HAFC Kit Arrived!

My Hydro Assist Fuel Cell kit finally arrived. I ordered it on April 9th. UPS knocked on my door nine weeks, two days later on June 13th. Yes, that was a long wait, but it was well worth it, and I don't hold it against Dutchman Enterprises for taking so long to deliver.

My order was placed in the middle of a tsunami of orders that Dutchman received following their hugely successful national advertising campaign. They had not expected such a surge of orders as came in, and their inventory was blown out quickly. They've been very transparent in explaining to customers and Dealers how they've made adjustments to accommodate the growing demand, and they expressed several times, over the course of the many weeks I was waiting, their regret for their inability to deliver sooner. 

Since then, they have acquired new facilities and hired new staff and workers to greatly increase their production capacity. They've begun to work toward building on-the-shelf inventory so that a kit can be delivered upon receiving an order from a customer. They're not there yet, but delivery time is down from 8-10 weeks to 2-4 weeks. We should see this improve as they finish clearing out the tsunami of orders and begin building their in-stock kits.

I'll be reviewing the kit in detail in my next entry.

Five Dollar Gas? Have No Fear The PICC Will Be Here

Well, it looks like it's really going to happen in my part of the world. Gas rose to $3.95 in Brainerd, MN over night, and so we're now approaching the four dollar mark. I can't wait to get my HAFC installed in our mini-van so that we can fight back. The spike in oil prices yesterday to a record price of $139.00 a barrel after markets closed has insured that we'll not be seeing any relaxation of the upward trend of gas prices.

On my way to an appointment yesterday, the gas light in my vehicle came on, because I had let it run to nearly empty. Man! It seemed as though I had just filled it up the other day. I had some time before the appointment was to start, so I found the closest gas station and pulled in... to a line of cars waiting their turn. Since I live in an area of Minnesota that is full of tourists on the weekends, I assumed this to be a typical Friday scenario in which folks making their way north to their cabins for the weekend were stopping to top off.

I parked my car in line and ran into the station for a snack. At the counter I commented about how busy it was at that moment and it must be the weekend rush. The preoccupied clerks both shook their heads and replied that gas prices were about to be raised, and everyone was trying to fill up before the increase. I asked how the customers knew the prices were about to rise. They cited the crude oil price increase folks had heard about on the news, and they said they have customers call in frequently to ask if prices are about to go up. So, many of those forming the lines at this station in a little tourist town in Northern Minnesota were making a run on gas to save themselves some money.

While prices seem awfully ridiculous today, I just saw an estimate that puts us at $5.19 for regular a year from now! In Europe, some places are already at $8.00 a gallon. This could really be worrisome, and I hear a lot of fear and dread out there as it seems we're all being sucked into a dark hole that is already changing how we live, work and play... I doubt there will be as many boats on the water this year. And there was a story on the news last night about one city that has gone to four day work weeks to help the city employees save gas and money.

I'm so thankful we have an answer to these historic changes. When we hear the announcement about the PICC in August or September, we've been told we'll dance for joy. We know that all indications are the Pre Ignition Catalytic Converter (PICC) will give even SUV's a minimum of 100 mpg. I wonder what we could expect for a standard car? The PICC will be applicable to any vehicle that has a combustion engine. Truck drivers will probably enjoy significant mileage increases on their big rigs. The effect could be hugely positive for our ailing economy, as fuel costs are contributing to woes in every corner of our lives, and if transport can be made cheaper, it is inevitably going to improve everything.

If you have applied for a quote for a PICC and are looking forward to enjoying over 100 mpg in your vehicle, remember that the Hydro Assist Fuel Cell is the first step in putting the PICC in your car. The PICC works in concert with the HAFC. You might as well start saving money on gas now by installing the HAFC and enjoying 50% to 100% better gas mileage. Those that order the HAFC now will be first in line for the PICC when it becomes available.

Your Mechanic Can Install The HAFC

Then You Make $20 For Every Install He Ever Does After!

All Hydro Assist Fuel Cell kits are now shipped with the full DVD training course. The DVD training course used to cost a mechanic $1,000.00, but you can now just give it to him along with the installation manual, and he will be able to install the kit for you. As a bonus, when your mechanic gets excited about the HAFC after installing yours, he can get certified by attending a certification training. And, for every kit he installs once he's certified, you will receive a $20.00 commission! Seriously, it doesn't matter who the customers are or where they come from, you will get paid commissions from that point on. It could help pay off your own HAFC and generate a little extra cash for you every month.

Just for kicks, here's a scenario: Mechanic completes 10 installs a month = $200.00 commission to you, just for helping us add another certified installer to our network. What a deal!

And, you can bet that your mechanic will only get more busy as demand for the Hydro Assist Fuel Cell continues to accelerate. We are seeing major endorsements of our product begin to roll in. In the last couple of weeks the Hydro Assist Fuel Cell has been featured in news stories on CNN, Fox News, and ABC. There will be a national ad campaign starting in June or July that we expect will generate up to 50,000 quote requests. Many of these customers will be referred to certified installers. Dutchman is taking care of the advertising for you. You get your mechanic started, and who knows what kind of extra income you might see?