Flaw in Alcohol Kits?
Originally Posted by DynoFlash
1 - This same basic kit has been in use in the turbo buick community for opver 10 years WITHOUT any of these kind of problems.
Since a 50:50 water/MeOH mixture (or close to it) is usually best anyway (e.g. washer fluid), as you illustrated, it's probably moot.
Nevertheless Al, because some will inevitably use straight alcohol because they (erroneously) believe it is better (and it isn't), it's not a bad idea to advise the use of common sense in such matters.
Originally Posted by Ted B
The potential for a problem is virtually nil unless one runs a flammable mixture (e.g. straight alcohol) and the temp change happens to be enough to pop a cap that is effectively air tight.
Since a 50:50 water/MeOH mixture (or close to it) is usually best anyway (e.g. washer fluid), as you illustrated, it's probably moot.
Nevertheless Al, because some will inevitably use straight alcohol because they (erroneously) believe it is better (and it isn't), it's not bad advise to use common sense.
Since a 50:50 water/MeOH mixture (or close to it) is usually best anyway (e.g. washer fluid), as you illustrated, it's probably moot.
Nevertheless Al, because some will inevitably use straight alcohol because they (erroneously) believe it is better (and it isn't), it's not bad advise to use common sense.
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The vapors coming out is the whole problem. Go look at the MSDS sheet for denatured alcohol. These fumes are explosive and are capable of creeping far from their point of origin. The following qoute is from the MSDS sheet for denatured alcohol "Explosion: Above flash point, vapor-air mixtures are explosive within flammable limits noted above. Vapors can flow along surfaces to distant ignition source and flash back. Sealed containers may rupture when heated" http://www.analytyka.com.mx/tabla%20...%20ALCOHOL.htm
Last edited by gestalt; Mar 1, 2005 at 05:35 PM.
Originally Posted by David@Vishnu
Thats not near as potent, And I could do without the detergents and residues injected into the combustion chamber and mucking up my sensors. But hey why not stick with the plan and just get a small trunk container?
try the Aquamist kit it has a computer that will sense a pressure drop and turn the system off it also will turn the boost down if there is a clogged injector or a break in the line. I say it is the best kit on the market.
Originally Posted by 4ringturncoat
Ethanol and methanol are both soluble in water so why not just add 50% water to you denatured alcohol.
here you go http://www.aquamist.co.uk/
Originally Posted by David@Vishnu
Thats not near as potent, And I could do without the detergents and residues injected into the combustion chamber and mucking up my sensors. But hey why not stick with the plan and just get a small trunk container?
BTW - there is ZERO evidence that windshield washer fluid "mucks up sesnors" - in fact dozens of the turbo buick guys have been using it for years.
Those who have concerns about the extra stuff in windsheild washer fluid can simply mix up some 50/50 mix of denatured alcohol from home depot and tap water.
IMHO - not many users want to fill up their trunk with fuel cells and string long hoses through their cars. Not to mention the extra cost involved.
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Originally Posted by DynoFlash
Finally - just note that almost every person making these warnings of dire disaster are fan boys of other tuners.
WTF! This is about safety not about bashing anybody. I am not a "fan boy" whatever the hell that means of any tuner.
Originally Posted by Ted B
That's right. Straight alcohol is not as effective as an alcohol water mix and should not be used. Furthermore, methanol is better than ethanol or denatured blends.
This said - the mix - winshield washer fluid - what ever - gets you 80% of the straight alochol gains and zero risk. A fairly easy calculation.
Originally Posted by gestalt
WTF! This is about safety not about bashing anybody. I am not a "fan boy" whatever the hell that means of any tuner.
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From: WC
Originally Posted by DynoFlash
Thanks for your comments. Saftey is always a top priority.
I have two thoughts to add to this
1 - This same basic kit has been in use in the turbo buick community for opver 10 years WITHOUT any of these kind of problems. The techonogy neging employed is not new - just new to this board. Check out alcohol section on www.turbobuick.com
2 - We recently totally redesigned the kit to work on WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID - re-read - WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID - which is commonly found under just about every hood or just about every car
For those concerned with fire hazzards - run 50 / 50 alcohol and water or windshield washer fluid - end of story
Finally - just note that almost every person making these warnings of dire disaster are fan boys of other tuners.
I have two thoughts to add to this
1 - This same basic kit has been in use in the turbo buick community for opver 10 years WITHOUT any of these kind of problems. The techonogy neging employed is not new - just new to this board. Check out alcohol section on www.turbobuick.com
2 - We recently totally redesigned the kit to work on WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID - re-read - WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID - which is commonly found under just about every hood or just about every car
For those concerned with fire hazzards - run 50 / 50 alcohol and water or windshield washer fluid - end of story
Finally - just note that almost every person making these warnings of dire disaster are fan boys of other tuners.
Fan boy here watches speed channel and pit fires. It's a statistical anomoly waiting to happen. But hey, if you want to be the guinea pig, that's cool. Nothing like hangin' out on the edge. This is all said with a smile. Not trying to flame....D'oa! Did I say that?
I do like your idea of the 50/50 and would be interested to know what the highest non flammable percentage of Alcohol to water would be and what the percentage power trade off might be compared with straight alcohol. Anyone know?
Originally Posted by DynoFlash
I disagree that staight alcohol is not as effective as a mix. The staright alcohol will always be slightly more effective than a mox with water as its a fuel and burns - unlike water.