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.