Does Methanol go bad?
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Does Methanol go bad?
I've had methanol in a plastic 5 gallon gas container going on 3 years. I've been using it, but still have plenty left. It just dawned on me... does it ever go bad?
ISIS SUCKS FAT CHOAD
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Earth, United States
After a 30 second Google search methanol.org says, it has an indefinite shelf life. With that said, if it did have a shelf life; I don't know if you will find anyone on here who's ever had any long enough to find out. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Denver, NC
I asked my supplier that very question late last year. They told me it would last indefinitly as long as it was kept in an enclosed container OFF the cold floor. They said a plastic (never use aluminum or steel as it corrodes with meth) container resting on a cold floor has a habit of allowing/forming condensation to get into it somehow.....FYI.
I have had 5 year old 2 gallon jug of meth work fine. Kept it stored on top of wood shelf off floor.
I have had 5 year old 2 gallon jug of meth work fine. Kept it stored on top of wood shelf off floor.
Last edited by js23881; Feb 14, 2016 at 12:31 PM.
Melting Slicks
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I asked my supplier that very question late last year. They told me it would last indefinitly as long as it was kept in an enclosed container OFF the cold floor. They said a plastic (never use aluminum or steel as it corrodes with meth) container resting on a cold floor has a habit of allowing/forming condensation to get into it somehow.....FYI.
I have had 5 year old 2 gallon jug of meth work fine. Kept it stored on top of wood shelf off floor.
I have had 5 year old 2 gallon jug of meth work fine. Kept it stored on top of wood shelf off floor.
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I asked my supplier that very question late last year. They told me it would last indefinitly as long as it was kept in an enclosed container OFF the cold floor. They said a plastic (never use aluminum or steel as it corrodes with meth) container resting on a cold floor has a habit of allowing/forming condensation to get into it somehow.....FYI.
I have had 5 year old 2 gallon jug of meth work fine. Kept it stored on top of wood shelf off floor.
I have had 5 year old 2 gallon jug of meth work fine. Kept it stored on top of wood shelf off floor.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: NJ
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Thank you so much for all of the info everyone. I do keep the plastic fuel container of meth in the garage on a concrete floor though. 
Maybe I can move it someplace else or inside. Will probably get a refill of it this year anyway, I guess.. Thanks again! 
Maybe I can move it someplace else or inside. Will probably get a refill of it this year anyway, I guess.. Thanks again!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
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From: Dayton Ohio
If you are worried about it its cheap enough to get from local racing fuel place at the pump. I think it was $2.19 a gallon for 100% meth at place near my house. You can mix the old up with distilled water to a 70% water 30% meth up to 50/50 mix for your own home made washer and de icer fluid for your daily drivers..
Last edited by PEETYZ; Feb 15, 2016 at 10:47 AM.
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Methanol is like brake fluid, in that it's hygroscopic or has the ability to attract water from its environment. The only way you're going to get any significant amount of water in it would be to continuously open the container on humid days.
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This, and in speaking to VP reps it maintains purity after one year of being opened then after that the amount of degradation is negligible