Years ago I read that vehicles owned by New York State (U.S.) and operated on
the New York State Thruway used either ethanol or methanol depending on
availability.
However, the manual for my flex fuel Ford Ranger warns against the use of
methanol. A few years ago I asked the list if I could use homebrewed ethanol
that was denatured with methanol (98:2 ratio) and was advised against it.
How did Jan put it? "Methanol is like ethanol only more so." Synthetic
rubber seals and fuel lines hold up to ethanol, maybe not so well to methanol.
Tom
-----Original Message-----
From: "Darryl McMahon" <dar...@econogics.com>
Sent: 11/26/2014 10:03 AM
To: "Sustainablelorgbiofuel@lists.sustainablelists.org"
<Sustainablelorgbiofuel@lists.sustainablelists.org>
Subject: [Biofuel] Methanol as a motor fuel
In Canada, it is illegal to produce ethanol for fuel without a federal
permit, and these are effectively never granted to a home brewer.
I have been pondering the idea of using methanol (wood alcohol) as an
alternative to ethanol fuel, but have not taken the time to research it.
Has somebody else already done this, and can save me the effort?
My recollection is it is possible to use methanol as a motor fuel, which
is supported by this document.
https://web.anl.gov/PCS/acsfuel/preprint%20archive/Files/20_2_PHILADELPHIA_04-75_0059.pdf
I know that during the war years (1939 to 1945), a number of people ran
engines on wood gas (the images of large gas bladders on vehicle roof
racks come easily to mind).
I do have access to wood waste and fruit waste material, but working
space is at a premium. Also, the processes I see seem to be based on
having process heat available (e.g., for pyrolysis). However, I don't
think I need a lot - our third vehicle travels about 400 km a month, and
I figure the methanol will only displace about 20 litres a month of
gasoline at a maximum, probably less.
I can buy methanol commercially, but in small quantities (retail), it is
more expensive than gasoline. However, could be an option for
experimentation in the vehicle before committing to home production.
I also have not yet investigated regulatory and safety issues, but
expect the latter to be manageable.
Thoughts, experience, pointers to relevant experience or information?
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