Why we don't use Sodium or Potassium Hydroxide electrolyte catalyst:
Both are highly toxic to start with and they both produce a very toxic electrolyte solution that is very hazardous. As a matter of fact that type of electrolyte solution requires an EPA permit for disposal purposes, "its that toxic". Also, just to test sodium hydroxide and what it can do to your engines internal parts that are made of aluminum. Put a couple of tablespoons of caustic soda [lye] into a small container and add water. Now drop in an aluminum soda can and see what happens. That's what happens to your pistons and heads of your engine over time using caustic soda [lye].
That is why we use White Distilled Vinegar, although a little less efficient, it "IS NOT" toxic and the electrolyte solution is harmless at clean out disposal time. If you read our instructions part #3 you will also see that we use plain ole white distilled vinegar for our electrolyte solution. Everything we use is of FOOD GRADE QUALITY. You actually can consume White Distilled Vinegar. That is how ecologically safe and friendly our systems are designed.

Important Facts...
All MagDrive units produced after Nov 1,2007 are the Series 11a & 12a model units. These units use white distilled vinegar for the electrolyte solution straight from the container un-diluted regardless of ambient temperature. Series 11a & 12a units start up cold at 2.5 - 4 amps maximum and ultimately draw up to only 7 - 11 amps of DC current...

Tech update general info... 11a and 12a models
The basic operation of both models is identical except for the electrical control factor. The 11a has electromechanical controls which means, as the unit is run over a period of time the h2o in the vinegar is consumed and a portion of the acidic acid remains in the brick module. This residue acidic acid can cause an amperage increase to the point where the initial 15 amp fuse can be popped. This is caused by an increase in acidic acid from the vinegar as the distilled water part of the vinegar is consumed. To remedy this small inconvenience, you can dilute the vinegar in the brick cell by adding some plain distilled h2o into the A-trap and replacing the fuse with a slightly larger fuse. Another option is, fill the Brick and A-trap initially with the vinegar and fill the reserve tank with just distilled h2o [no vinegar]. That way you will only be introducing h2o when the pump calls for refill and there won't be a buildup of excessive acidic acid. Another point is by doing so, you won't affect the pump seal on the reserve tank by running vinegar thru it as well as keeping the amperage down. 12a brick, makes no difference there. The system adjusts itself automatically regardless of the amperage draw. It does it by reducing the voltage as the amperage increases therefore keeping the system within operational calibration limits. There still may be slight damage to the seal on the reserve tank pump because of the vinegar attacking the pump seal. To eliminate that possibility, after filling the A-trap and brick by using their fill ports with vinegar, fill the reserve tank with just plain h2o. You will notice that there isn't any real frequent clean out required on either model. That's because the vinegar leaves no visual residue accumulation as its being used in the cell. You can still use the denatured alcohol for cold weather exposure with only h2o in the reserve tank. A foam insulation wrap also does wonders in cold weather on the brick and a-trap. If you are having difficulties with installations and don't have a clue where to turn, contact us here in Georgia and we will get you your answers.
Thank you,

Gas Miser

Contact a Magdrive Distributor nearest to your location for further details.