Methanol / Water Mix For Tire Filling

[454shooter]

Can anyone tell me the methanol to water ratio that is required for 20 below zero? My searches here and elsewhere have turned up nothing.
I am trying to save money and avoid buying 100 gallon of windshield washer fluid. I have read here that dealers sell methanol for approx. $4.00 per gallon. I have found nothing near that. Online it is around $10.00 per gallon plus shipping. Locally I have found air line anti-freeze which is basically methanol but it is $4.00 per quart.
Thanks....Shooter

 

[jgh]

20051010

To be sure consult either goodyearag.com or firestone ag (not sure of the exact site name for them) for info on wts, ratios, etc.

I'd also recommend you read the post on this forum (maybe you have) about fluid in radials.

Also, it has been recommended to me that one use RV/Marine water line type antifreeze, Proplylene glycol (less danger as a poison) no dilution necessary, best bought in 55 gal drums (West Marine has it). The $4 per gal for methanol is what I hear for around here, too. I think the ratio is either 4 or 5 (water) to one (alky) but check those sites.

Cannot imagine that something as heavy as this relative to value could be economically bought over the net.

Good luck,

Jim

 

[skipmarcy]

I know one place that can tell you the mix necessary for a given tire size and protection you want - the county Co-op in my home town back in Tenn. They have a simple chart that tells this. They use pure methanol that comes in 55 gal drums, don't know what the current price is, I bought mine almost 4 years ago up there. Here is their phone number, ask for Lisa or Richard in the tire shop, tell them Skip told you to call. Have your tire size handy. 931-296-2541. The chart also tells you how much the mixture weighs.

 

[jgh]

20051011

And in PA I would probably not use less than 50/50 due to cold wx. Rubber is nasty with ice inside.

If $4 per gal for methanol, that's $2 per liquid gal. So if you can buy Propylene Glycol mixed (RV/Marine) for less than that, maybe the best way. Just check the freeze point: slush /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif freeze /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

J

 

[al3]

Here's a table I found at a medical/lab supply company. I was looking for the correct mixture for my winter temps, which are in the range of -45 F.
"Here is a table of freezing points of different ethanol / water mixtures:
% Ethanol in Water (v/v) Freezing/Melting Temperature (°C)
24.8% -10.6
27.0% -12.2
29.5% -14.0
32.4% -16.0
36.1% -18.9
40.5% -23.6
46.3% -28.7"

-28C is approx -18F....
I don't know if this is by volume or weight (i.e. is the v/v "volume") I am also assuming were talking about 99% pure methanol and distilled water. Good luck.

 

[jgh]

20051013

And I have heard things about tolerating slush vs not allowing hard ice, which can lessen the concentration needed. Reminder to the original questioner to be sure to read other threads on tire fluid fill currently being carried on elsewhere in TBN.

Right off the bat, I would say since a 55 gal drum of ww fluid is reputedly around $1/gal US, that $4 methanol and mixing may be 2nd best, but check those prices and concentrations.

And I'd agree that v/v means volume to volume but my chem classes were many years ago, so I have not titrated in a long time. I'd still consult either the Goodyear or Firestone ag sites.

Jim

 

[dbelisle]

I filled mine with Proplylene glycol , but the one thing you want to remember is PG and galvinized don't mix .
Make sure your wheels are not galvinized.
It will eat them out in no time.

Dave in NH

 

[454shooter]

Thanks for all the help on this issue. I could find no good buy on Methanol but my local gas station has -20 WW fluid on sale this month (with a coupon) for .79 per gallon. ($1.00 off of reg price per gal.) I didn't think I could top that so I order 110 gallon today.
Thanks again....Shooter