EASIER STARTING ADDITIVES
WE now come to the last use of additives and that is to assist with starting,
which should not be a problem but nevertheless sometimes is. Again we deal
with our three basic fuels as before.
WHEN USING PETROL . . .
Acetone is the only safe additive to use, its function being that it
increases the volatility of the mixture, without reducing the basic fuel properties
too much. Up to 5 percent being quite enough to use.
Ether is the only other additive to use with Petrol and may be used
in the same manner as Acetone and for the same reason, but is in fact not
recommended for use with spark ignition systems, and has obvious handling
problems.
It can also quite easily produce a wrecked engine, so use it if you must,
but you have been warned
WHEN USING METHANOL .
Acetone is the only additive and up to 10 percent maximum. The action
of this is to increase the volatility of the total fuel or put another way
it reduces the flash point temperature.
Main use is on very cold days, but in fact it even then should not be really
necessary, however let us say it is convenient.
WHEN USING NITROMETHANE
When our main fuel is Nitromethane, the only additive is again Acetone for
the same reasons as when used with Methanol.
All fuels have one common blending agent, this being Acetone, but in most
cases will mix satisfactorily without, but where found necessary, the amount
used should be the minimum required to obtain complete mixing without trace
of separation, visually checked.
In some cases it may be necessary to use quite high percentages, for example
some 30 percent when blending Benzole and Methanol.
Over recent years the methods used in producing petrol have changed and with
the modern petrol's better blending is obtained with Methanol due to the refining
techniques now used without a blending agent being used.
STALE FUELS
Many think that fuels when stored become less effective with age, but in fact
this is not so provided the cans or containers are fitted with caps or snap
on lids that fit correctly.
Two fuels that are difficult to keep unless great care is taken in sealing
the containers are Ether and Propylene Oxide, the high rate of evaporation
being the problem.
In conclusion, may we just repeat three major things to keep in mind.
· First of all apart from Petrol, always tend to keep the mixture on
the rich side and never on the weak.
· In all cases never rush, take your time and be quite accurate in
your measurements.
· Last of all do not experiment unless you know what you are doing
as it could be both expensive and dangerous.
GOOD RACING!
