Gas-Saving Device Shuts Off Cylinders

Gas-Saving Device Shuts Off Cylinders ENERGY Fuel-Saving Devices 4-6-8 "It automatically shuts off four cylinders when you're cruising or decelerating and turns them back on when you accelerate," states Arthur Garabedian of Anaheim, Calif., whose new computerized cylinder shut-off device for internal combustion engines has the auto industry buzzing. "Ford tried to do it and failed. Cadillac is coming out with a system using the same components Ford tried. It only works at speeds over 27 mph and costs around $1,200," says Garabedian. "We plan to sell our system, which we think is far superior, for around $150 installed." As Garabedian describes it, his cylinder shut-off works as smoothly as an automatic transmission. Driving through town with an eightcylinder car, for example, all eight cylinders will be working as you pull away from a stop sign. As long as the car accelerates, all will remain active. At any speed, when the car begins cruising at a steady speed, or coasts, fuel is shut off to four of the cylinders, preserving fuel. Garabedian points out that you can have just two inactive cylinders, going from eight to six, if desired. The device will also function in six cylinder or four cylinder autos. "We installed one on a four cylinder Scirocco, and it worked great. Mileage increased from 30 to 32 mpg to 40. A Datsun 280Z went from 24 to 32 mpg," he said. "The device modifies the carburetor slightly, using computer controls to shut off fuel to the selected cylinders. A digital readout on the dash indicates how many cylinders are working at any one time. We can also provide an override switch," says Garabedian. Do-it-yourselfers will be able to in stall the kit but he hopes to set up dealers to install and service kits for customers. His patents for the device also cover diesel fuel injection, which he says has tremendous agricultural possibilities, especially for stationary engines that frequently run in little or no-load situations. Garabedian says prototypes are now being tested on police and county vehicles in Orange county, Calif. One vehicle has already logged more than 35,000 miles with the system operating. "If we can operate successfully in police vehicles, taking care of the family sedan will be a snap," says Garabedian. He hopes to have units available commercially by early 1981. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Arthur Garabedian, Arthur Motor Co., 1924 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, Calif. 92805 (ph 714 879-8160, or 8136).

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