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METHANOL HYDROMETER KIT #3072
Kit Includes:
Instruction Sheet with methanol temperature specific gravity correction chart.
500-ml polymethylpentene hydrometer jar.
Laboratory grade stainless steel 25 - 125 degree F thermometer with beaker clip.
Precision .760 - .830 range specific gravity hydrometer with 0.0005 divisions.
CAUTION: The hygrometer is made of glass and is very fragile! Treat with care!
This kit, when utilized properly, can help determine the suitability of methanol (methly alcohol) race fuel.
The specific gravity of methanol race fuel should be .7954 at 60 degrees F. Methanol is hygroscopic
(absorbs water), and as the fuel absorbs moisture from its surroundings the specific gravity of the fuel will
increase (higher specific gravity). As this increase occurs there is a change in the fuel’s combustion
properties that will result in a decrease in the power potential of the fuel. Just how much of an increase in
specific gravity is too much is often up for debate; many top crew chiefs won’t use fuel that isn’t exactly on
specific gravity. Consult with you fuel supplier for further information about this.
It is important to note that verifying the specific gravity of the fuel will not necessarily prove that the fuel has
not been “doctored” with some other additive. It is best to buy you fuel from a reliable source, and store it in
tightly sealed containers, in a cool, dry place.
1. Fill the hydrometer jar 3/4 full with the fuel specimen to be tested. Place the jar on a level surface to
conduct the test. Do not attempt to hold the jar in your hands to conduct the test, as inaccurate results will
likely occur.
2. Insert the thermometer probe into the fuel sample. There is a beaker clip with the thermometer to
properly hold the thermometer in place during the temperature measurement process. Caution! Do not
immerse the gauge portion of the thermometer in the fuel. Allow the thermometer to stay in the fuel until the
temperature reading stabilizes. Once the temperature reading has stabilized, record the temperature for
future reference and remove the thermometer from the hydrometer jar.
3. Carefully remove the hydrometer from its container and insert it into the hydrometer jar. The
hydrometer should float freely within the jar. If the hydrometer falls to the bottom of the jar and does not
float there is probably not an adequate amount of fuel in the jar. If this occurs, add additional fuel and start
the entire procedure over again.
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DIRECTIONS:
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4. Allow the hydrometer adequate time to stabilize (stop bouncing up and down). Once the hydrometer
is basically motion less look through the side of the jar to the scale on the stem of the hydrometer. The
specific gravity should be read at the top of the fluid. The hydrometer included with this kit can be read to
four (4) decimal places, such as 0.7954. Take careful readings to assure best accuracy. Please note that as
you read down the stem of the hydrometer the reading get higher. Once you are satisfied you have an
accurate reading, record it with the fuel temperature from step #2.
5. Refer to the Methanol Specific Gravity Temperature Correction table below. Locate the temperature
of your fuel sample on the chart. The specific gravity listed for that temperature should match the specific
gravity of your fuel sample. If there is any difference, you may wish to repeat the testing procedure to
confirm the results.
6. Remove the hydrometer, dry with a soft cloth or paper towel and return it to its proper storage
container. Empty the hydrometer jar contents back into your fuel supply and dry the jar with a soft cloth or
paper towel.
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METHANOL SPECIFIC GRAVITY
TEMPERATURE CORRECTION TABLE
Temperature: Specific Gravity: Temperature: Specific Gravity:
40 .8058 70 .7901
41 .8053 71 .7896
42 .8048 72 .7891
43 .8043 73 .7886
44 .8037 74 .7881
45 .8032 75 .7875
46 .8027 76 .7870
47 .8022 77 .7865
48 .8016 78 .7860
49 .8011 79 .7854
50 .8006 80 .7849
51 .8001 81 .7844
52 .7996 82 .7839
53 .7990 83 .7834
54 .7985 84 .7828
55 .7980 85 .7823
56 .7975 86 .7818
57 .7969 87 .7813
58 .7964 88 .7807
59 .7959 89 .7802
60 .7954 90 .7797
61 .7949 91 .7792
62 .7943 92 .7787
63 .7938 93 .7781
64 .7933 94 .7776
65 .7928 95 .7771
66 .7922 96 .7766
67 .7917 97 .7760
68 .7912 98 .7755
69 .7907 99 .7750
100 .7745
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