What would happen if I put a small container of oxygen near my cars air intake?

Question

I understand the danger of driving around with pure oxygen, but what if I used a small tank of O2 and let it “leek” near the air intake? Would that have the ,somewhat, effect of a supercharger? I mean I’m increasing the # Moles of O2, thus the engine’s efficiency. Not for everyday use, but for when I take it out racing.

Wouldn’t NO2 get hotter than just O2 because it forms a N2 along with the normal engine product ie heat and work?

Answer 1

I don't believe it would do much of anything because to be of any benefit the engine would need massive amounts,more than a small container can supply.And are there really people who believe oxygen is explosive by itself? Your mind is on the right track,keep up the unconventional thinking.People like you solve problems,not create them. Good luck.

Answer 2

First of all it won't work, because you won't be changing the volumetric efficiency of the engine and O2 being aspirated into the intake will not really change the composition of the atmosphere in the manifold.

The charge inside the combustion chamber should, ideally be 14.7:1 air to fuel. That's air, ambient air, not oxygen. A combustion chamber designed for an oxidizing fuel, such as a rocket engine, is very different from a piston engine in a car.

You are looking to create the stoichiometric mixture not one comprised of gasses or liquids that seem like they might be more explosive or burn faster. Also, a gas simply leaking into the air stream would be impossible to control or anticipate, meaning your ignition timing would not be properly advanced or retarded if the new gas coming in made any difference at all.

Answer 3

A supercharger also increases the volume of air at the intake, not olny a higher concentration of oxygen. That aside, what you're suggesting is dangerous. You would be required by law to place D.O.T placards on your vehicle to indicate you are transporting oxygen.

Answer 4

I would be very careful attempting that as you would have to keep your oxygen source away from any form of heat so the bottle doesn't burst.

Also you have to consider, oxygen may allow for the fuel to burn cleaner and more thoroughly, but you have to consider that since your fuel is now burning more thoroughly its going to run a whole lot hotter which could damage your engine especially if the oil loses its viscosity.

Answer 5

Pure oxygen is what is used in some blow torches---not a good idea at all.....go with nitrous injection if anything. You've got the right idea about increasing oxygen content in the combustion chamber, just have to choose a safe way to do it.

Answer 6

O2 in its pure form is unstable for one, for two the heat of the engine would cause expansion of pressure causing the cylinder to explode, the rapid loss of oxygen in a heated environment with oil present would cause a huge fire.

Answer 7

if you're looking to buy a new car or die go for it... a small bottle of oxygen slowly leaking becomes a serious bomb when an errant spark suddenly apears

Answer 8

I say go for it! The less idiots on the road the better. By the way. How do you plan to have it leak into the intake? And they say drugs don`t do harm. You win this weeks IDIOT award.

Answer 9

this is why nitrous was invented buddy