I suggest start with 2grams in your 800ml water and measure the actual current draw. Then keep increasing until you reach 5 amperes. That's only for a start. You'll have to find the best current for your vehicle by experimenting. There is a sweet spot beyond or below which, you won't get much; and if you don't get any gains at all, then it's time to look at electronics enhancers. I hope you get the gains without any fancy add-ons.

100mg of NaOH in 800 ml water translates to 0.125g/L of water. Have you measured how much current you get? I don't expect much production out of that with the low NaOH.

The browning could be due to some factors other than the 304SS. It could be due to the water you are using. Some brands of distilled water are not really pure, so the impurities there get "cooked" in the process.

You could try using another brand of distilled water. If it continues to be brown, then maybe the type of SS plate you are using may not be a real 304. I've experienced that too. The next thing to try is to add one more plate for each cell and go for 5 neutrals. Then you can increase your NaOH.

Best of luck to you!

I am using NaOH. Still a bit hesitant about using vinegar because of the sludge that forms. Back to neutral plates: if you live in a very cold place, you can use 6 neutral plates, then maximize the electrolyte so that freezing can be avoided. Lee Hazelton has tried this, and recommends this for winter use.