Longshot but want to figured out what fluid is in my rear tires

[hammick]

Just bought a used Branson 4020. 2002 model. I spoke with the original owner and he said the original selling dealer in Sullivan, Missouri filled the rear tires. He is not sure with what. I'll know more when I pick it up Friday but I believe the fluid is a milky white substance. Not sure if the tires have tubes or not.

This dealer has been out of business for a while. Anyone familiar with this out of business dealer and what they used to fill tires?

Original owner doesn't think it is the calcium stuff but isn't sure.

Is there an easy way to identify calcium vs methanol?

Thanks for any help.

 

[k0ua]

Just bought a used Branson 4020. 2002 model. I spoke with the original owner and he said the original selling dealer in Sullivan, Missouri filled the rear tires. He is not sure with what. I'll know more when I pick it up Friday but I believe the fluid is a milky white substance. Not sure if the tires have tubes or not.

This dealer has been out of business for a while. Anyone familiar with this out of business dealer and what they used to fill tires?

Original owner doesn't think it is the calcium stuff but isn't sure.

Is there an easy way to identify calcium vs methanol?

Thanks for any help.

Methanol is a clear toxic primary alcohol. Calcium Chloride mix is a type of salt water very similar to ordinary salt water which is Sodium Chloride. Put some on a piece of leather. The calcium chloride will make it dry up and likely leave a whitish residue. Unless of course you have a mass spectrometer at your disposal. I have always wanted on of those.

 

[LincTex]

Rub a little dab between your fingers & tell us what it smells like

 

[hammick]

I drained some out and it is pretty clear. Maybe a slight yellow tint to it. It doesn't smell like anything. Maybe a hint of rubber smell.

I weighted an ounce of it and it weighs the same as an ounce of water. Pretty sure it is just plain water. I will put it in the freezer to see if it freezes.

If it turns out to be water what should I add to it? It will be stored in a non-heated garage with concrete floors in Montana.

 

[k0ua]

I drained some out and it is pretty clear. Maybe a slight yellow tint to it. It doesn't smell like anything. Maybe a hint of rubber smell.

I weighted an ounce of it and it weighs the same as an ounce of water. Pretty sure it is just plain water. I will put it in the freezer to see if it freezes.

If it turns out to be water what should I add to it? It will be stored in a non-heated garage with concrete floors in Montana.

One thing you could do instead of tasting it is to do a resistance check with an ohmmeter also. Of course your freezer test is a good idea. I would place some in a bowl and place your ohmmeter probes a calibrated distance apart and then do the same with a reference bowl of water and compare the readings. This will tell you if the water has salt in it or not as the salt water will have a much lower resistance than the reference water. You could also do the same with a sample of methanol which you can purchase at a hardware or paint store. A fun science experiment.

If I was in Montana, I would drain all the water you could get out (if it is water) and fill with RV antifreeze (propylene glycol) or Methanol, or Rim Guard if you can get it.

 

[hammick]

Well I will give it until morning but I think it is something other than straight water. Four ounces in the freezer for eight hours and it's just slush.

 

[k0ua]

Well I will give it until morning but I think it is something other than straight water. Four ounces in the freezer for eight hours and it's just slush.

yep, I would say you are correct.

 

[hammick]

Tomorrow I will do the resistance test mentioned above. Thanks for the good advice.

 

[LincTex]

Well I will give it until morning but I think it is something other than straight water. Four ounces in the freezer for eight hours and it's just slush.

8 hours is enough!

It sounds like you're ready for winter...
unless you live in West Yellowstone, which seems to hit -50*F every year for some reason!