HHO How-To: I Want to Try it, but Where do I Start?

So you're excited about HHO fuel and want to get started with your own hydrogen-on-demand system, or maybe you just want to experiment and build a hydrogen generator. There are a number of things you'll want to know before rolling up your sleeves and jumping in.

To DIY or Not to DIY?

First off, you need to decide if you want to buy ready made products or make your own. The advantages of doing it yourself include the fun of building, experimentation, and saving money. The disadvantages are the extra time it takes and having to gather all the materials and tools together.

If you are the hands-on type as we are and love to get in there and build, test, experiment and get your hands dirty, there are plenty of plans and parts on the market specifically for the HHO DIYer. You can also find most of the common parts of a typical system locally at hardware and industrial supply stores. Even if you're living in a remote area with limited local supplies you can find whatever you need on the internet.

Check out the plans, parts and component listings and reviews in our Products section.

What Skills and Tools Will I Need?

Anyone with basic mechanical skills, common automotive tools and the ability to read and follow directions can install their own hydrogen-on-demand system. It will be easier for those who have a background in car repair, whether amateur or professional.
For those who want to build a system from scratch or do more extensive experimentation it would be very helpful to have a garage or shop equipped with things like a drill press, miter or chop saw, metal cutting equipment, etc. Of course you can do it without these resources but having these types of power tools and a dedicated work space will make things much easier and result in a better finished product.

Before starting an installation you should make sure you have the following items on hand as a minimum:
-Screwdrivers
-Pliers
-Wire cutters/strippers
-Wire terminal assortment
-Wire ties
-Wire, 8 and 10 gauge stranded automotive type
-Electrical tape
-3/8" drive socket set
-Nut drivers 1/4" up to 3/8" and 8-10mm
-Drill bit assortment
-3/8" variable speed drill
-Voltmeter
-Safety glasses or goggles
Also useful although not usually required would be a rotary tool (such as a Dremel tool ) with cutting wheels and grinding bits.

Remember, always wear eye protection when working with power tools and disconnect the battery cable before starting any HHO installation or doing wiring.

What is the Best Location for an HHO System?

Every vehicle is different and where you locate your HHO system components will depend greatly on how much room is available under the hood and where.
There are some things to keep in mind however--look for a location that is easily accessible for adding water and electrolyte or removing the unit for service if necessary. Also try to place the main unit (the electrolyzer) where it will get plenty of air flow--this is usually going to be near the front of the engine compartment. Make sure--and this is very important--that it will be clear of any moving engine parts such as the fan, belts, pulleys, etc and not touching fuel lines, wires, battery cables and heat sources like radiator hoses. This may seem to be impossible in some tightly compacted engine compartments, however there is usually always a suitable location that can be found. Sometimes it may require rerouting wiring harnesses or other components to make some extra space. If you do this, make sure you know what you are doing as this could affect your car's performance or safe operation. If in doubt about relocation of a component ask a mechanic first.
You should inspect your engine compartment before deciding on ordering or building a system. There are systems on the market of various shapes and sizes including some designed especially for tight spaces. While not recommended, we have even seen some electrolyzers installed in the trunk successfully. Whatever you do, never install an electrolyzer in the passenger compartment.

I Don't Want to Install it Myself, What Should I Do?

Let's say you're not the DIY type, you don't feel comfortable with it or simply don't have the time. Don't let that stop you, you can buy a complete, high quality system and have it installed by a professional. In fact, professional installation may even be a requirement of the supplier of your system in order to meet guarantee or warranty requirements--check your instruction manual which you receive with your new system. Here's how to find a professional HHO installer or other qualified mechanic and what things to look for when hiring one.



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