With gas prices at $2.30 to $2.50 a gallon here and no reduction in sight, I'm seriously considering building a still to make my own methanol/ethanol.

Other than redrilling the jets and advancing the timing, anything else I should consider? (I may mix 50/50 with gas)

Anyone know the legal implications?

Thanks for any input.


km

The only real leagal implications I see right off hand would depend on how much sipping... I mean testing you do, before you drive or try it out!

I had a friend who made his own... and ran a 50/50 mix... but this was in a mini bike.. and yes, he did his own testing, and fell off the thing now and then! Lol...

Brett - 67 Drop Top 455!

You're not supposed to make your own ethanol! That's the illegal part. The government has the legal right to take your house and all your property if you distill even one drop of alcohol.

But there's no problem with buying methanol or ethanol and mixing it with gas. (Gasahol)

Jetting and seal & hose material are about the only changes required, plus a change in plugs to a different heat range. I also believe the plugs erode faster, but don't hold me to that.

Q

PS: Don't sample the methanol. It would be bad.

Hmmm.... so you can make beer & wine but not pure alcohol? :rolleyes: Gee, that makes a lot of sense.

Doubt I'd be taste testing much of it - at 190 proof I'd never remember the results.

Any idea about the cost of methanol or where to buy it?


Thanks,
km

i did some google searching, and you can make your own ethanol if you get a lisence from the ATF, denature it so it is poisonous, and report your production amount. also looks like it doesnt save that much unless you make a whole lot, but at least the money wont be going directly thru the oil companies.

Scott's right, but you also have to pay taxes on your production - that's why they want you to keep track of it and report it.

Methanol can be purchased at some filling stations. I know there are two around me that sell it, but I don't know the cost.

Q