If this is not possible, for example in the case of anengine driven pump system, either the maker's figures will have to be used, orthe displacement per revolution or stroke established, times the number ofthese per minute, giving the estimated flow.
These figures are empirical but will at least provide a basis on which to startand experiment, and will prove whether the pump has sufficient capacity or not,and for the particular application in mind, this figure should be at leasttwice the estimated flow rate.
READY TO START
At this stage we are ready to start up and from the actual running of theengine, commence to see if the mixture is about right by the normal methods,but -it must be appreciated our estimated requirements have been taken at fullthrottle or maximum fuel demand.
Tuning, insofar as intermediate settings of the throttle, follows normalpractice, but for starting conditions, it may be slightly different, as in mostcases of fuel other than petrol, it is unnecessary to provide an excessivelyrich mixture for starting as this will only cause plug wetting, making itdifficult or even impossible to start.
As previously stated when the engine is set up, which is often not the case,and in tune, it will be possible to start up and run right away. However forthose that may find starting a problem, especially in cold weather conditions,it may be advisable to add some volatile component to the fuel, or even startup by the simple means of introducing another fuel, such as lighter fuel, bythe simple means of squirting a small amount into the air intake of the engine.
FIRE DANGER
A warning at this stage would not be out of place in the use of Ether orcompounds containing a high proportion of Ether, such as Easistart, . orsimilar aerosol packs, except those specifically formulated for spark ignitedengines, as opposed to diesel, due to the danger of flash fires, and alsodamage to the engine caused by possible detonation.
The preferred method of obtaining easy starting is that of blending certainother fuels with the methanol in controlled proportions, for example the use ofAcetone up to a maximum of 5 per cent by volume, petrol also up to the samemaximum amount, or Ether, but at a maximum of 3 per cent.
With regard to Ether, the blending of this with the fuel should, for reasons ofsafety, be left to the fuel supplier due to the extremely low flash point ofthis material, in fact, a figure of minus 40 degreesF.
Since as stated before, these fuels, if by any mischance, get into the eyesimmediate medical attention is necessary.
If this is impossible due to circumstances, to obtain, the following actionwill do until professional attention ca n be secured.
The eyes should be continually washed out with clean water for a period of atleast 15 minutes, needless to add, with care.
Clothing contaminated with fuel should be removed to stop the fuel penetratingto the skin, and if it has, the area effected washed thoroughly with soap andwater.
It may seem some stress is made of the dangers of fuel, but it is better toknow the dangers and take the necessary precautions, which after all onlyamount to common sense, rather than go along in total ignorance.