Anyone ever add Toluene to their Gas?

[Tromping_Maniac]

I've been doing some reading on increasing octane in gasoline and came across some topics stating that Toluene adds lots of octane as its an equivanlent AKR of 107.

Has anyone tried it?

I'd kinda scared as I think it would probably harm the fuel system as it is considered a heavy duty solvent. But from what I've been reading some people swear by it.

Let me know what you think.

[Khyron]

Re: Anyone ever add Toluene to their Gas?

It works, and doesn't do any damage if you mix it properly. The issue is it's really toxic and working with it is dangerous. And to mix with a full tank of gas you need drums of it, not just a couple bottles. Better off just buying race gas for the odd time you need it.

Khyron

[NeonGTI]

Re: Anyone ever add Toluene to their Gas?

Done it many times. Ditto with Methyl Hydrate/Methanol.

A little of each also makes my diesel run very happy too.

[Conedoctor]

Re: Anyone ever add Toluene to their Gas?

I remember they covered this in Sport Compact Car and the off the shelf octane boost ended up being better I think.

[R-Audi]

Re: Anyone ever add Toluene to their Gas?

Ive run it a few times where 93/94 wasn't available, and my car seems to really like it, noticeably smoother.
Frm what I have read, it has a octane of 114, or you can try out Xylene which is 117, but I guess is a lot dryer, so you cant use it in the same concentration. I typically used 1 4 litre container ($15.00 or so) with each tank to get the desired octane.

Most paint stores will carry either one.

[kuhli]

Re: Anyone ever add Toluene to their Gas?

I wouldn't touch the stuff personally...here's an MSDS sheet describing appropriate precautions:

http://www.temarry.com/MSDS/Toluene_msds.htm

[R-Audi]

Re: Anyone ever add Toluene to their Gas?

Meh.... Ive had it touch my hands.. as with most anything as long as you are careful, dont drink or inhale the sh1t you are fine.. Its used as a normal paint thinner.. and isnt any worse then anything else you would use.

[zilla]

Re: Anyone ever add Toluene to their Gas?

i used to use toluene quite a bit. As long as you use it outside and not get any on your hands you'll be fine.

Toluene is one of the solvents used in the glue for making those models that you can buy at the toy store. Most paint thinner is based on turpentine.

Xylene, tho, i'd stay the hell away from.

[Kor]

Re: Anyone ever add Toluene to their Gas?

Old post but I have also read articles where they tested off the shelf octane boost products vs straight toluene and the off the shelf boosters often (but not always) did better and none did very well... I can't remember which one did the best, I seem to remember it being one of the more famous brand products... might depend on the engine though too

[zilla]

Re: Anyone ever add Toluene to their Gas?

oh, the other thing too is that if you go buy a gallon of toluene at Canadian Tire, you can bet that it's full of crap that will accelerate the clogging of your fuel filter.

[R-Audi]

Re: Anyone ever add Toluene to their Gas?

I've always gotten mine at paint only stores

As for other octane boosters.. Ive heard the NOS brand is good, as well as one with Torco.. forget what its called, but havent even seen it around in any stores...