Hi group:
I have been following the discussion of various fuels and have
definitely learn more on the subject.
I taught "textbook" information on fuels, tuneup, and computer controls
for a number of years at Shasta/Trinty Community College. I have been in
the Automotive Field continuously since 1959, owned and operated an
Independent Auto Repair Facility for 30 plus years, and have been in the
1/4 Mile, Lakes, and Bonneville racing game since the mid fifties. If I
have learned anything from all of this, it is that I have more to learn.
The question was asked about the octane rating for Methanol. According
to the information that I have, alcohol is between 104 and 106 octane,
butane is 93, propane is 100, and natural gas is the highest octane fuel
with a 130 number. With alcohol, Methanol has somewhat lower energy than
Ethanol, but both deter detonation because of their cooling effect &
slow burn. Alcohol is a very forgiving fuel concerning A/F mixture
requirement. Too rich it gets lazy, too lean it lays down (just a little
too lean will burn pistons, however, I can attest to this.) On a recent
Dyno test, alcohol gained 20 HP, over gasoline with the same timing
settings (and approximately 11:1 CPR)
Gasoline is, as has been stated, critical on A/F mixture. 14.7:1 is the
desired A/F ratio considering exhaust emissions, but 12.0:1 to 12.5:1 is
the range that gives the best power. It is said that the most combustion
heat is generated with A/F mixture about 10% rich. Assuming this is
true, Why do lean mixture burn holes in pistons?
Tom
V4GR@aol.com wrote:
>
> Now that was a very good "Fuels 101" Thank you. Rich Fox
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