Re: Toluene
 

Correct on the toulene, wrong on the diesel fuel.

Toluene is more difficult to combust, hence a high octane rating. Diesel fuel is not, however. Diesel fuel has an octane rating of around 15-20. Diesel uses cetane numbers 0-100 to measure the fuel's ability to detonate. A higher rating means the fuel is MORE likely to detonate. It ignites easily under compression. This is the reason diesel engines don't use a spark plug or other type of igniter, they simply spray the fuel into the compressed air in the cylinder, firing the engine by detonation. Detonation is what makes a diesel engine work.

Re: Toluene
 

---- octane boosters, DOT approved race gas is now available at select stations. E85 ethanol. You will need to retune, may need to upgrade the fuel system too. But its like 115 octane and cheaper than pump gas.

Damn sure my current project will be running it.

Re: Toluene
 

no, they sell xylene, which will do the same exact thing as toluene. it's like 14 bucks a gallon, and i believe xylene is right about 116 octane.

Re: Toluene
 

chem places are always going to want more because that stuff is lab grade purity. :)

Re: Toluene
 

word. however, your car won't know the difference.

Re: Toluene
 

I just bought a gallon today at the hardware store. 19 bucks. Gonna try it this week. I figure I will try a 10% mix first. I'll post my findings or pics of the carnage that will surely follow this experiment.

Is Xylene really a substitute for toluene? Can I get a witness? Any links about this?

Re: Toluene
 

yeah, i've run it in my car. i've mixed it 20%. you will notice a difference after 10-20 miles.

Re: Toluene
 

Yes, Xylene is 117 as opposed to 114 for Toluene. Do a search on the web about it. i am to tired to do one and link you. :(

Re: Toluene
 

this is ------- cool.

Re: Toluene
 

Only was this is going to be cost effective is if:

1) You live in BFE and high octane fuel or E85 is not available or is really overpriced.

2) You buy it in 55 gal drums.


Here in socal, I could spit in any direction and hit three shops and one gas station pump that sell 100+ octane unleaded fuel. Some gas stations sell 100 octane for $5-6/gal. Unless you can get toluene for less than $7/gal, then it ain't worth buying it and having to mix it. Plus to get 100 octane out of the piss gas here in the PRK, you'd have to mix it at %40.

Also E85 is getting more and more common and is not very expensive.