=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Fuel Formulas =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- From: edh@wheeler.unr.edu (Ed Hackett) Subject: Re: Unleaded gas once again... Date: Mon, 07 Jun 1993 18:13:38 GMT In article neal@cmptrc.lonestar.org (Neal Howard) writes: >ObMoto> Anybody got any idea about what octane I'll net mixing 1/4 pint of >lab reagent grade toluene (120 octane pure) with 2.25 gallons of 92 octane >pump super unleaded?? Will this be too high a concentration of toluene and >dissolve the neoprene in the needle/seat and fuel lines on my Sportster? Here's some gasoline formulas that were posted on the Italian cars list. As you can see, you need to add your toluene in the 10-20% range for it to do any good. Formula #1 - Toulene ============================= R+M/2.........114 Cost...........$2.50/gal Mixtures with 92 Octane Premium -------------------------------- 10%...........94.2 Octane 20%...........96.4 Octane 30%...........98.6 Octane Notes: Common ingredient in Octane Boosters in a can. 12-16 ounces will only raise octane 2-3 *points*, i.e. from 92 to 92.3. Often costs $3-5 for 12-16 ounces, when it can be purchased for less than $3/gal at chemical supply houses or paint stores. Formula #2 - Xylene ============================= R+M/2.........117 Cost...........$2.75/gal Mixtures with 92 Octane Premium -------------------------------- 10%...........94.5 Octane 20%...........97.0 Octane 30%...........99.5 Octane Notes: Similar to Toulene. 12-16 ounces will only raise octane 2-3 *points*, i.e. from 92 to 92.3. Usually mixed with Toulene and advertised as *race formula*. Formula #3 - Methyl-tertiary-butyl-ether (MTBE) ============================= R+M/2.........118 Cost...........$3.50/gal Mixtures with 92 Octane Premium -------------------------------- 10%...........94.6 Octane 20%...........97.2 Octane 30%...........99.8 Octane Notes: Oxygenate. Very common in octane booster products. Has lower BTU content than toulene or xylene, but oxygenate effect makes the gasoline burn better and produce more energy. Formula #4 - Methanol or Ethanol ============================= R+M/2.........101 Cost...........$0.60 - $1.75/gal Mixtures with 92 Octane Premium -------------------------------- 10%...........94.3 Octane (Methanol) 10%...........94.7 Octane (Ethanol) 20%...........Not Recommended Notes: Methanol is wood alcohol. Ethanol is grain alcohol and found in Gasohol in 10% ratios. Both alcohols are mildly corrosive and will eat gas tank linings, rubber and aluminum if used in excessive ratios. Main ingredient in "Gas Dryers", combine with water. Formula #5 - Isopropyl Alcohol and Tertiary Butyl Alcohol ============================= R+M/2.........101 Cost...........$0.60-$1.50/gal Mixtures with 92 Octane Premium -------------------------------- 10%...........94.5 Octane 20%...........Not Recommended 30%...........Not Recommended Notes: Similar to Methanol/Ethanol. Isopropyl Alcohol is simply rubbing alcohol. How to make your own octane booster (this is the basic formula of one of the popular octane booster products). To make eight 16 ounce bottles (128 oz = 1 gal): 100 oz of toulene for octane boost 25 oz of mineral spirits (cleaning agent) 3 oz of transmission fluid (lubricating agent) This product is advertised as "octane booster with cleaning agent *and* lubricating agent!". Diesel fuel or kerosene can be substituted for mineral spirits and light turbine oil can be substituted for transmission fluid. Color can be added with petroleum dyes. Ed Hackett edh@maxey.unr.edu The Desert Research Institute DoD #0200 WMTC BMWRA DIOC Reno, Nevada (702) 673-7380 KotLS KotLE KotD #0003 Motorcycling is not a life and death matter. 900SS K100RS 501 CAMEL It's more important than that. __=o&o>__