Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

Does anyone use mineral spirits as a fuel for hot air or model steam engine spirit burners? I have always used coleman fuel for my hit miss engines and denatured alcohol in hot air engines. It,s been so long since i,ve run any of my toy steam engines such as mamods, that i cant remember if i used denatured alcohol or mineral spirits. Maybe the gallon can of mineral spiris i have is from an old parts cleaning job or used as paint thinner! Can someone explain the differences in thes fuel sources as it pertains to our hobby?
Thanks,
Crazydoug

I use denatured alcohol for anything with a tank & wick Doug , Zippo lighter fluid for my hit n miss engines (I like the smell).

Anything that uses alcohol, I use Everclear 190 proof. Not much odor and non-toxic if not taken internally in excess. 

Quote from: St Paul Steam on August 21, 2022, 09:52:05 pm

I use denatured alcohol for anything with a tank & wick Doug , Zippo lighter fluid for my hit n miss engines (I like the smell).

Same here.
Love zippo smell.  Have you ever invested in a zippo  pocket heater?  Fill with zippo flyid then light the burner and put in a sleave.  It stays warm for hours via a smoldering lil fire burner.  And you smell manly as it exudes burning fluid.

heres a link
Zippo 12 Hour Refillable Hand Warmer https://a.co/d/5YPf0H3


Jason

I've not heard of that Jason, but will certainly give it a look, thanks for the tip.