Accumulated sediment and water sludge in storage tanks, pipelines, and in the vehicle fuel tanks could clog filters and create other operational problems. These systems must be scrubbed clean and prepared prior to the introduction of methanol fuels. Methanol concentration above ten percent is corrosive to some IC engine metals, rubber and plastic components, therefore manufacturing materials must be changed to accommodate this fuel. Specially formulated plastics, rubber, and extensive use of stainless steel are some manufacturing material solutions. Owner's manuals describe acceptable methanol concentration levels.
Bold letters inform purchasers that the fuel contains methanol.
Preliminary DOE tests of optimized, M100 vehicles indicate that these produce significantly reduced tailpipe emissions. Only small performance and mpg penalties have been noted. Net operational costs, as compared to gasoline, seem to be equal. Determine what type of vehicles are available in your area which use gasoline or methanol or methanol blends. Determine if conversion systems are available in your area to run highly concentrated methanol.