To all the fuel mixing guru's out there -
1) I can buy methanol locally but only in 55 gal drums. Will this keep if I just take some out and then put the bung back in the barrel? Also are there grades of methanol? The only label on the barrel said "Methyl Alcohol". The supplier said that local people are using it for racing snowmobiles. Would that mean it is pure enough for R/C engines?
2) Also locally I can buy a nitro fuel enhancer product. The label says it is 50% nitro propane. Will this work the same as nitro methane?

TIA

Bruce

I probably can't answer your questions with pinpoint accuracy but I can tell you what I've seen. I buy methanol at my local dragstrip and they pump it in my container from a 55 gallon drum. The drums either have a spigot in them or a hand pump and the rest the just put the bung back in when finished. So I would say that it will keep as long as you keep it sealed somewhat. I'm not for sure on pureness but I was asked if I wanted it with oil in it and I told them no, just straight methanol which is clear in color where the other has a light blue tint. And last but not least I don't think nitro propane is anywhere even close to nitro methane and definitely would not try in an R/C engine. I hope this helps you out some.

1. Ask for the Assay sheet on the methanol. You will then know what should be in the drum. Chances are that it will be fine. If a little acetone (up to 3% or so) is in it, that's OK.

2. Nitro propane, nitro ethane etc are poor substitutes for nitro methane. I wouldn't waste your time or money with them.

I have been blending fuels for 22 years
now and suggest if you want the least problems
that you buy VP Fuels methanol. It has never
given me any problems. You can buy it at
many dragstrips and if not they can probably
tell you who the local rep is.
Keep it tightly sealed so it doesn't take on water.
Good luck

JCM can you email me ? I would like to talk to you about mixing fuel.

Thanks
Jim

[email protected]

I'd be concerned with using 55 gallon drums unless you plan to mix your fuel into gallon containers in one opening/shot. Any air that is introduced into the container when fuel is drained will contain moisture that will be absorbed by the alcohol.