Denatured Alcohol.

[1979C20]

So, In my research to get better gas mileage, I have discovered Denatured Alcohol. It is 100% ethanol, denatured by adding methanol(to make it poisonous so you can't drink it). I have been adding it to my gas for about 3 weeks. I add about 4oz for ever 5 gallons. I bought 1 quart of it for 6.57 from Walmart. Running 87 pump gas, my gas mileage went from 10 to about 14. I figure that 7 bucks gets me an extra 4 mpg, that I cant complain. The denatured alcohol burns cooler, burns cleaner, and burns faster. Which boost my octane level. It also De-carbonizes the combustion chambers and intake valves. 1 quart lasted me 2 weeks and I went from 100 miles costing me $35 dollars to 100 miles costing me $25.03. Thats a pretty good change after putting 20 dollars a day into gas. I'm putting about 10 a day in it. Just wanted to share some possible savings.

From what I've read online, higher ratios of the denatured alcohol can boost MPG more, but it can also eat the rubber fuel lines. Now, Acetone will destroy rubber fuel lines and fuel filter because of how caustic it is. Isopropyl alcohol contains water, and you dont want that in your gas. So Denatured alcohol is the way to go.

[Big Katz]

It works great if you have a frozen fuel line as well! I like it better than heet.

[TexasRed]

just be real careful, you don't want to lean your mixture out too much. Remember, the BTU of alcohol is less than gas.

[Jason S]

Alcohol can work up to a point.  From what I understand, the alcohol will tend to absorb water, so if you're in an area with a lot of humidity it may be worse than running straight gasoline.

Another alternative...

You could also swap on a dual fuel propane setup (i.e., selectable gasoline or propane) and save money burning propane which burning lots cleaner than gasoline. Propane is about 115 octane, but only has about 85% of the btu's of gasoline.  However, you can run more compression and more ignition advance and the truck will start and run (even on a cold morning) like never before.   

Overall, in a 3/4 ton 4x4 truck that gets 10 mpg on gasoline, the fuel cost equivalent of running propane compared to gasoline is approximately 14 - 15 mpg. 

[1979C20]

I have a set amount I put in each time. 4oz for every 5 gallons. And I checked my plugs, they are still burning properly. So, I don't think the alcohol leaned it out too much.

[bake74]

      So when you bought it from Walmart, is it just called "Denatured Alcohol" ?  It sounds interesting, I will have to read up on it.

[DrDaryl]

1979C20 mentioned that it is poisonous, and it is seriously bad stuff.  Certainly would not want to get much on the skin, etc.
Moonshine that contained ethanol was a cause of blindness back in the day.

[TexasRed]

ethanol is the part that makes you drunk. The stuff that they used to distill the moonshine, like car radiators and other industrial equipment probably had some nasty stuff in it.

[87454westernhauler]

does any one know if there is there a kit u could by to convert your gas engine to propaine? I Think that would be kind of cool to do to my 86. Ihave worked with LP systems on old tractors where they basicaly pulled the stock gas carb off and put a propain one on with the regulator and tank.

[bobcooter]

1979C20 mentioned that it is poisonous, and it is seriously bad stuff.  Certainly would not want to get much on the skin, etc.
Moonshine that contained ethanol was a cause of blindness back in the day.

The nasty stuff was lead from the solider in the radiators. The alcohol leaches it out and into the liquid. Unscrupulous, high volume moonshine makers would tie a bunch of auto radiators together for the worm or condenser .I remember when I was a kid seeing men who had "Jake Leg", a walking disorder caused by lead consumption in moonshine that was in addition to blindness.
Ethanol is alcohol that you can drink. Denatured alcohol is not. Methanol is denatured alcohol. Sounds like you are adding more ethanol to gas that already has ethanol since straight gas is so hard to get these days. Be careful. Alcohol has no lubrication properties what so ever. Don't go too much or you could have problems with not only your fuel lines but your valve train as well most likely,

[bake74]

does any one know if there is there a kit u could by to convert your gas engine to propaine? I Think that would be kind of cool to do to my 86. Ihave worked with LP systems on old tractors where they basicaly pulled the stock gas carb off and put a propain one on with the regulator and tank.

     Yes they do, they sell a dual system that can run either propane or gas.  Check out your local propane company and if you want to see how it works, stop by your local rental yard and look at one of the forklifts that are set up to run both.

[Jason S]

Denatured alcohol is safe to handle as long as you don't drink it.  It is ethanol (i.e., drinkable alcohol), that has a certain amount of methanol (i.e., "wood alcohol"-the kind that will make you blind) added.  The methanol is generally the ingredient that makes denatured alcohol dangerous to consume.

does any one know if there is there a kit u could by to convert your gas engine to propaine? I Think that would be kind of cool to do to my 86. Ihave worked with LP systems on old tractors where they basicaly pulled the stock gas carb off and put a propain one on with the regulator and tank.

I've got the Impco 300 mixer with a Impco model E regulator on my '73 GMC K2500 which allows the truck to run as a dual fuel (propane or gasoline).  I bought my parts from a farmer who had the setup on his '83 C-10 350. I rebuilt the mixer and regulator and replaced the propane lines, painted the tank and installed it on my truck.  It really is easy to install. One of the best features of running on propane is the super easy cold morning startup.  Even with temperature in the teens, it takes 3 cranks and then the truck is running and idling perfect.

If you search member rides for my '73, there are photos of what the install looks like.