Precision Fuel Testing Systems

To place an order, call: 760-375-2398

Check out our complete line of fuel testing systems for gasoline, diesel, methanol, and nitromethane.

Q:  How do you check methanol?

A:  Methanol is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild odor in “normal” temperatures. Four areas of standards lend themselves well to testing: smell, color, hydrocarbon contamination, and density. Since methanol is a “pure substance” it has a known density at any given temperature. Measuring the density with a hydrometer and the temperature with a thermometer tests this. These values are compared with a temperature/density table for pure methanol. The test for odor is based on the ASTM standard comparative procedure for observing the characteristic odors of volatile organic solvents. “Color” is determined by observing the sample against a white background. The presence of hydrocarbons is determined with a simple chemical test.

Q:  How can methanol become contaminated?

A:  Racers are strongly cautioned to exercise great care in the handling methanol. It is easily contaminated and is disqualified for that reason. Methanol quickly absorbs moisture from the atmosphere – especially on hot, humid days. A poorly sealed fuel jug left in the trailer overnight will collect condensation easily. Water has a higher density than methanol and will make the methanol “heavy”. Methanol is also a good “cleaner” and absorbs dyes, greases, and oils readily. Methanol stored in a gasoline jug will quickly leach out colored dye residue left by the gasoline. And “top lube” can cause hydrocarbon contamination if it gets into a return line.

Q:  I use Ethanol. How is it different?

A:  Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, has a slightly lower density than methanol and a different odor. Otherwise, it has similar characteristics as methyl alcohol (methanol). The same cautions to keep it free from contamination apply.  Ethanol is usually only available as a motor fuel in denatured form.  Otherwise, the Federal tax on alcohol applies which raises the cost prohibitively.  Ethanol can be denatured by the addition of chemicals which render it unfit for human consumption.  One of the most common ways to denature ethanol for use in racing is by the addition of 2%-5% unleaded gasoline.  Since there are no industry denaturing standards, each manufacturer's product must be considered individually in terms of approval for use in competition.  PFTS can provide a certification kit for a specific ethanol fuel.

Q: What are the various tests facilitated by the PFTS Methanol Certification Kit?

A: The PFTS Methanol Certification Kit allows the precise measurement of density as well as providing specific instructions in observing the physical appearance and odor, and providing chemical spot tests for water, hydrocarbons and propylene oxide. Taken in combination, these tests are surprisingly effective in ensuring that the Methanol used in competition has not been tampered with.

Q: Why is measurement of density/specific gravity an effective test for the purity of Methanol?

A: Specific gravity of Methanol is a particularly effective test for purity of methanol because, as mentioned above, methanol is a pure substance. As such, its density, or specific gravity is predictable for any given temperature. Virtually any chemical mixed with Methanol will either increase or decrease the density of the sample tested compared to pure Methanol. Precise measurement of the density as allowed by the PFTS Methanol Certification Kit will reveal the presence of such additives.

Q: Does the PFTS Methanol Certification Kit come with clear instructions?

A: Yes. Complete and easy to understand instructions and documentation are included with every kit. They were written specifically to allow racing association fuel inspectors to become proficient in the application and interpretation of the various tests supported by the PFTS Methanol Certification Kit without first having to earn a degree in chemistry.

Q: Are chemicals included with the PFTS Methanol Certification Kit?

A: No. The chemicals needed for the Propylene Oxide spot test are not included because PFTS is not licensed to ship hazardous chemicals. However, a list of chemicals needed for this test and complete instructions on how to mix them are included in the documentation provided. In the long run this will result in significant savings to the purchaser of the PFTS Methanol Certification Kit.

Q: Has the effectiveness of the PFTS Methanol Certification Kit been verified?

A: Yes. A major motorsports sanctioning body has verified the effectiveness of PFTS fuel certification systems including the PFTS Methanol Certification Kit by retaining a mobile test lab utilizing a gas chromatography instrument to analyze fuel samples at their national events. This instrument is so sensitive that it is capable of detecting fuel additives in the low parts per million range. We are pleased to report that our PFTS systems were able to detect every instance of fuel tampering that was detected by the gas chromatography instrument, costing more than $20,000.00 and operated by a graduate chemist.

Q: What is the difference between the PFTS Methanol Certification Kit and Methanol testing equipment from other suppliers?

A: The PFTS Methanol Certification Kit is a complete testing system, whereas most others provide only the capability to only measure specific gravity. The PFTS system is based on more than twenty nine years of NHRA fuel certification experience and provides complete and easy to follow instructions, as well as after purchase technical support and consultation.  Click here to see Methanol Kits.

Q: Can PFTS provide assistance in revising racing association fuel rules?

A: Yes. PFTS can provide sample rule specifications that can be adapted to the specific needs of a racing association.

Q: Where can I obtain Methanol Spot Test chemicals?

A: Information on sources for these chemicals is shown on the Supplies page of this website.  Click here to go to Supplies page.

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