The device works by taking advantage of an effect involving differential pressures known as the ‘Venturi’ effect, widely used in engineering for flow meters, gas-fired water heating systems and most famously in jet engines. The Ecotek Valve has FOUR different modes of operation according to the rev speed of the engine and hence the velocity of the airflow to the inlet manifold:
1. At low revs.
The device incorporates a stiff-sprung stopper valve that acts to mitigate air intake and is designed so that when the engine is idling (when the engine is warm and the choke not operating) a very limited amount of air is drawn in – in other words the device bleeds small amounts of air during tick over. There is nothing that can be done to significantly reduce fuel consumption in this state but the small amount of air drawn in via this ‘bleed’ serves to reduce emissions at tick over (particularly CO) without affecting smooth running. Furthermore, this bleed occurs throughout the rev range acting to sustain the turbulence initiated by the full operation of the device in 2. and 3. below.
2. With a neutral throttle and moderate acceleration (1500- 3500 rpm) OR after lifting off after hard acceleration.
In the case of both periods of moderate acceleration and in the few seconds after hard acceleration, there is a much higher pressure flow of air along the ‘T’ of the device and hence much stronger suction in the vertical down-pipe. As stated, the device incorporates a valve attached to a rigid steel spring and at certain engine speeds this is forced open by the partial vacuum, against the resistance of the spring, to allow air to be sucked in and restore the pressure inside the tube.
The valve will then return to its original position and the process repeated. The net effect of this is an oscillatory motion in the down-pipe the frequency of which is governed by the rigidity of the spring (the spring constant), the engine speed and the model of car to which the device is fitted.
It is this oscillatory motion and resultant longitudinal wave of compressed and then rarefied air that enhances combustion efficiency. This wave of air is transmitted along the connecting pipe until it reaches the opening of the inlet manifold where it disperses and greatly improves the mixing process of fuel and air. In normal combustion many of the larger fuel droplets fall out of the mixture and are expelled via the exhaust as unburned Hydrocarbon emissions. Due to the more finely dispersed fuel droplets created a much more efficient burn is produced.
3. At high revs
At very high engine speeds, the oscillation process effectively breaks down and to a greater extent and the device will remain ‘open’. However, this improves the air intake into the inlet manifold and, as a result of its design, the effect of the air passing through the open valve causes it to swirl. This again creates improved fuel/air mixing and improved combustion. At high revs this can be at least as effective as the oscillatory effects at lower revs.
Any leaning of the fuel air mixture caused by the opening of the valve is compensated by the improvements in the suspension of the fuel molecules with the resultant maintenance or even reduction in combustion chamber operating temperatures.
4. Under all circumstances
Throttle response is improved under all conditions due to the fact that the device partially collapses the inlet vacuum. This, particularly in the case of electronically controlled fuel injection cars, creates a very small hesitation in the draft across the injectors when the accelerator is re-applied. This momentarily effects a significant increase in the petrol content of the AFR which in turn causes a noticeable increase in engine response.
Fitting an Ecotek Clean Burn Valve
The same Ecotek CB-26P fits almost all petrol engine cars and uses the vacuum created in the inlet manifold to cause turbulence in the fuel air mixture.
It needs to be fitted so that it can allow small quantities of turbulent air into the manifold. This is accomplished by fitting it to a breather hose from the plenum chamber or the manifold or to the vacuum servo hose from the brake servo.
Follow these instructions carefully. If attaching to the brake servo make sure there are no air leaks as incorrect fitting/tuning can result in loss of power assistance to the braking system which is potentially dangerous.
If you are in doubt about this consult a qualified mechanic and/or the manufacturers service manual - we have qualified fitters throughout the Country and these are listed on the Suppliers page.
If the car has a cubic capacity of more than 2.6 litres two devices must be fitted in series and the one furthest from the inlet manifold tuned first.
Instructions
Check that the body of the device - metal, is tight to the 'T' piece - plastic, (tighten with a 19 mm spanner).
Then locate vacuum servo/breather hose to the inlet manifold.
The servo hose is most normally found by locating the brake servo drum and then the hose that leads either to the carburettor or (in the case of petrol injection) directly to the manifold (or Plenum Chamber)
Alternatively, any hose that draws a vacuum from the centre of the inlet manifold will also be suitable provided it is large enough (internal diameter of more than 4mm)
Check hose for cracks or leaks – clean or replace as necessary. Cut the hose (using a sharp blade) as close as practical to the manifold (no closer than 3 cm) and ideally no more than 30 cm away but always inside (engine side of) any non-return valve (if fitted). Some cars are fitted with narrow gauge servo hose - this needs to be sleeved over with 10 mm fuel/emission hose and four 14 mm jubilee clips (a 2 inch length on each side of the 'T' piece will then slide over the severed servo hose).
For standard hose insert each end of the CB-26P nylon ‘T’ piece in each of the severed hose ends and secure with jubilee clips or equivalent. This effectively rejoins the hose with the CB-26P in place - an airtight fit is essential and jubilee type clips are strongly recommended.
The device is now ready for tuning.
Tuning your Ecotek Valve
Screw the locking ring towards the nylon ‘T’ piece as far as it will go.
Screw the cap containing the filter in the same direction (ie: clockwise looking at the filter) as far as it will go WITHOUT TIGHTENING.
The unit is now locked off and you are ready to start the engine. Start engine and allow it to reach operating temperature and tick over revs without choke.
At operating temperature gently unscrew (turn anti-clockwise) the CB-26P filter housing until you feel the unit vibrate, this should be accompanied by a LOUD induction noise. Close the unit (turn clockwise) until this noise stops.
Repeat the last step until you are certain you have reached the point that the unit starts to operate (where the noise stops/starts) and then turn the filter housing clockwise through 90°
Lock the filter into position with the locking ring, being careful not to move the filter.
I have fitted one of these valves to my 406 Coupe and was immediately impressed by the results. It certainly is £50 well spent!!
The ecotek does everything it says on the box. Acceleration is smoother and the car is more responsive through the mid range gears.
It took about twenty minutes to fit, not including a visit to halfords for some fuel hose (£4 per metre) and four jubilee clips. I decided to replace the whole tube rather than cut my existing hose.
The tuning was dead simple, the results are wicked and you get a disinctive "growl" when you put your foot down. They even have a silencer available as an added extra if you don't like the noise.
Whether or not it saves fuel, while fitted to my thirsty beast, remains to be seen. Even if it doesn't I'm still more than happy with my Ecotek Valve.
Ecotek Valve Blue