WBO2 Sensor lifespan with methanol

[Sprockets]

As subject really!!!!  Just got myself a FJ1200 bike engine for a project of mine thats going to be run on methanol.  Was wondering if anyone has dabbled with it and knows a rough timespan or effects it may have.

I also assume theres nothing in the EGT sensors that will corrode badly etc with methanol?

Cheers

-Gavin

[MWfire]

WBO2 can be use with methanol.
EGT sensor can be use, but EGT with methanol is low.

[Sprockets]

Cheers for the reply MWfire.

I knew the sensor could be used, was just wondering the life span of it, such as if it's used with leaded fuel it's life is dramatically shortened.  After some more research and googling for just about every itteration of wording, I think I should be good for a long while as there are no 'contaminates' as Methanol is just CH3OH.  and since I will be running it from VP fuels, i can be pretty certain of it's purity.

As a side note, in researching the above, i was amazed as to what is actually in unleaded fuel, it's a blend of a myriad of hydrocarbons. Makes the methanol seem simple!

The EGT will be used as a reference piece of info.  I just wanted to make sure no harm would come to what is quite an expenisive and delicate sensor.  Seems I'm fine aslong as I don't get carried away and start blending nitro methanol mixes!!!  Don't really want nitric acids floating about.

Also forgot to say, this engine will be turbocharged.

-Cheers all

[MWfire]

Methanol is better for WBO2 than petrol.
BTW i think e85 is better fuel if you don't go with 5bar boost

[Sprockets]

Trouble is with E85 is actually getting hold of the stuff.  Not abundant around here.  At least with the methanol from VP I can just order it and get it delivered, or pick it up from a local drag racing shop.

Not sure i'll be reaching 5bar of boost, but there will be a fair amount of airflow through this little lump   It will be basically a street legal drag car.....well, car is loose term   Also serves as a learning tool for me.  I've never dabbled with alcohol, so puts another feather in my cap.

-Gavin

[MWfire]

What is price of methanol in GB?

[Sprockets]

http://www.motorshack.com/acatalog/VP_Racing_Fuels.html

£65 +V.A.T (15%) per 5 US Gallons

[rob@vems.co.uk]

How about:

http://greenfuels.co.uk/Category/chemicals.aspx
£21.85 for 25litres.

5 US gallons = 18.9270589 litres

And the green fuel stuff is for fuel too.

[Sprockets]

Good find there Rob!  My wallet is very happy you found that :p

[rob@vems.co.uk]

Remember though, its got VAT but not fuel duty paid on it.
So to use it anywhere other than on the track is illegal.

Now I'm back at home I'll ask around, I know that Mass have had meth engines on their dynos before now, and I know that they use LSU4s because they use the Wideband gauges on their dynos.

Rob

[Sprockets]

Good point regarding the fuel duty.

One other thing is being the conflicting arguments with LSU vs NTK when used with methanol. Some saying the accuracy of the LSU with methanol is not so good, some saying no difference and others saying that they tend to tune meth on EGT and plug reading.  Personally, I will do what I always do and use them only as guides to get me to the right tune.  Something to be said for getting a feel for the engine

-Gavin

[gunni]

When you need to tune in the 2-4 AFR range .
no sensor really works well and accurately there.
So people use old school methods, or by elaborate fuel flow measurements and air flow measurements and calculations.

I´d use the latter to get a good heardstart on getting close to the right mixture.