Gas line antifreeze

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

There are two common types: methanol (methylated spirits to the UK 
audience, also known as methyl alcohol in some places) and isopropyl alcohol.

Of the two, the isopropyl is far more effective and about twice as much 
money. Methanol is the standard in Canada and works well enough. Same stuff 
is used in windshield washer antifreeze but mixed with water. I prefer to 
use isopropyl but it is harder to find. Do NOT use the rubbing alcohol 
which is already cut with water.

As high school chemists know, alcohol will dissolve in both petroleum 
fluids and water due to its double ended character. So the water dissolves 
in the alcohol and the resulting mixture dissolves in the gasoline, to be 
drawn into the engine and "burned". Actually the alcohol burns but the 
water just passes through.

In the old days of carburetters and low pressure fuel pumps gas line 
antifreeze did just that. Stopped the lines or carbs from blocking up with 
ice in cold weather. Since the almost universal advent of high pressure 
fuel injection, these products are mainly designed to protect the fuel 
injection system from the oxidizing effects of water. (Water usually has 
enough O2 dissolved in it to promote corrosion). The older K Jetronic FI 
suffered seriously from water damage if gas line antifreeze was not used 
regularly in winter. L Jetronic and later systems seem relatively immune to 
water infiltration.

I use gas line antifreeze about four times a winter, especially during 
periods of large changes in temperature or humidity which causes 
condensation in the fuel tank, the source of the problem in the first 
place. If you live in a damp cold place I recommend you use it 
periodically. if you live where it is warm or dry or both, it isn't necessary.

Finally, all modern gasolines in North America have enough water dispersant 
that you only need gas line antifreeze as a booster for extreme conditions. 
One of the principle components of Fuel Injection System cleaner in a can 
is in fact a water dispersant. If the fuel system in your car seems to be 
causing a misfire, try a can of this stuff before reaching for the panic 
button.

Cheers


Michael Smith
White 1991 164L
Original owner
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