Isopropyl Alcohol

[bowtieguy]

with ethanol(E10) almost fully integrated into our filling stations, i keep hearing about isopropyl alcohol. can it be used as a safe additive(fuel cleaner) and perhaps increase FE?

i did have great increases in FE w/ acetone, but now to debate its results is a moot point since ethanol negates its affect. i did confirm that in my testing as well.

so, is isopropyl safe enough to test? might it have a positive affect on FE? if so, why would E10 not keep fuel systems clean and increase instead of decrease FE?

[GasSavers_RoadWarrior]

Originally Posted by bowtieguy

so, is isopropyl safe enough to test? FE?

http://automotive.hardwarestore.com/....aspx#features
Absorbs 5 times more water than regular gas-line antifreeze. Recommended for fuel-injection engines. Safe for catalytic converters and oxygen sensors. Use in all engines including 2-cycle or diesel engines.

Does that sound safe? MSDS linked on that page will tell you it's 99% isopropanol (another name for isopropyl alcohol) and I'd put $1 on the 1% proprietary additive being water

Edit: Oh by the way, grocery/drug store stuff don't go below 70% concentration. Holds it's water in solution in gasoline down to about 68% IIRC, if you wanna use it in winter, go up to the 91 or 99% for best antifreeze benefits.

[ZugyNA]

I've heard it mentioned that it is a good idea to use something like MMOil in the gas also to lube the fuel pump.

Also...I intend to test 24 oz canola and 3 oz 91% iso per 10 gallons...a promising combo where the canola is supposed to burn and lube and the iso boosts power some.

I'm afraid it might smoke a lot though.

I tested 4-5 oz 91% iso and it gave more power for sure.

[theholycow]

You're going to put canola into a gasoline engine? I'm rather skeptical...

[GasSavers_RoadWarrior]

There's some theory about it making metallic soap surface lubes and bonded polymer coatings, personally, I call that sludge

[Hateful]

I've added 4oz of 91% iso alcohol and 4oz of used motor oil into a push lawnmower tank of gas with minimal smoke. 8oz of oil did cause smoke but still ran.

[JanGeo]

Don't foul up your cat with all that extra oil added - I would think that caster oil would be better since it is a good two stroke lube.

[dkjones96]

Originally Posted by JanGeo

Don't foul up your cat with all that extra oil added - I would think that caster oil would be better since it is a good two stroke lube.

I wouldn't use caster oil either as it doesn't burn well and usually stays an oil in the exhaust(read about why pilots used to wear a scarf). A good ashless 2-stroke oil is more like what you should be using.

[dosco]

Originally Posted by JanGeo

Don't foul up your cat with all that extra oil added - I would think that caster oil would be better since it is a good two stroke lube.

Aren't 2-strokes total-loss oil systems? Like the oil goes out of the engine with the exhaust? Are you saying castor oil is easier on the cat?

[Jay2TheRescue]

Originally Posted by dosco

Aren't 2-strokes total-loss oil systems? Like the oil goes out of the engine with the exhaust? Are you saying castor oil is easier on the cat?

Any oil added to the tank will eventually go to the cat... One thing I heard often years ago, but I don't see mentioned here is adding a couple of ounces of ATF to your fuel. I used to do it all the time on my old 74 Chevy truck because I could not get leaded fuel anymore to lubricate the valves.

-Jay