Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Methanol in Diesel (Read 803 times) previous topic - next topic

Methanol in Diesel

For years I have used methanol in gasoline fuel tanks to control the water which inevitably enters the fuel tank and collects in the bottom of the tank. Methanol (or ethanol) absorbs the water forming a combustible compound which mixes with the gasoline and is burned in the engine.

Because of the availability of biocide and diesel water seperators, I suspect methanol is not recommended in diesel, but do not know why.

Can methanol be added to a diesel fuel tank to absorb any water in the tank without any adverse effects?
Wyatt
96 U320 40 WTFE, build 4943
84 Toyota Supra towd
2015 Jeep Wrangler towd
Victoria, BC, Canada

Re: Methanol in Diesel

Reply #1 –
Quote from: P. Wyatt Sabourin –
Can methanol be added to a diesel fuel tank to absorb any water in the tank without any adverse effects?
It is my understanding that one should never use any fuel additive in diesel fuel that contains any type of alcohol.  And there is controversy in the industry concerning how diesel fuel additives should work to control water.  Some additive refiners make a additive that encapsulate the water molecules, which then continues through the injection system.  Some injector manufacturers claim that this is not good for the injectors.

I was always told by the shop foreman at the petroleum transportation company, that I retired from, that methanol goes to the lowest point in the system and stays there.  The preference in that shop was for isopro alcohol.

My preference is to stick with well know products from companies who have been around a long time.  One that comes to mind is Stanadyne.  Mainly because Stanadyne also is a long time manufacturer of diesel injector pumps.  They should know what will not hurt the injector pumps that they make!
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Methanol in Diesel

Reply #2 –
If anyone gets the idea of adding isopropyl alcohol to their diesel fuel, be sure it is anhydrous isopropyl or 99% isopropanol. Isopropyl alcohol typically is mixed with water which isn't good on any part of the engine.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Methanol in Diesel

Reply #4 –
With the modern diesel injectors and the low lubricity fuel these days I would worry that the alcohol would hurt the injectors.
John Cooper
'91 GV 36'
Oshkosh chassis
Cat 3208T 300HP