Does Metho go off over time

HI BB,
I would. Metho evaporates when left open, so if its still in the bottle I'd say its fine.

Thats liquid gold at the moment. Coles hasn't had any for weeks.

I would use it.
Metho is about 96% ethanol, and 4% methanol as a poison, with a taste inhibitor, so we don't drink it.
I would think if it smells like metho, then it is OK to use.
I am not a chemist, but suspect that like wine, when it is exposed to air some evaporates, but the rest oxidises and becomes acetic acid (vinegar). Wikipedia or a chemist would explain it better, but I'd use it in the metho stove.

ok if in the bottle but if you leave it in the stove it absorbs moisture and doesn't burn as hot thats why you use it to dry out damp timber its hydroscopic

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AzureF305 said..

jbarnes85 said..
Tested an old metho stove today with a very very very old bottle of metho. Worked fine.

I tested an old mug today with a very very very old bottle of metho. Tasted fine.

Would probably be even better with lime and soda.

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Bundeenabuoy said..
I have found a number of litres of metho on my boat.
I suspect they are a number of years old.
Can I still use it in my methods stove?

I need to ask.

You found a flammable liquid on your boat that you didn't know was there?

Is it just me or did anyone else pick up on the danger of this?

PS Poodle, metho and Tang, sounds like a NASA joke I once heard about 7up and a dash of Teachers

Metho does not go off, it does one of two things 1. it either evaporates or 2. it absorbs water to the point where it is no longer a viable fuel. The second condition is met in fuel tank that has a small vent in in it causing air to pump in and out according to atmospheric conditions.

Ethanol (which is what metho is mainly) generally has an ABV of 95%, the other 5% being water assuming it is kept in a sealed container. When exposed to air and depending on ambient humidity it soaks up water like a sponge. Ethanol is an azeotrope meaning you cannot get 100% purity unless distilled under a vacuum, but the moment the vacuum seal is broken it reverts back to being an azeotropic mixture.

If you have old metho just test it by setting it alight in a small metal can in a safe spot in the open.

Metho is commonly used to remove excess water from petrol tanks due to its ability soak and hold that water in suspension.