White Gas

In a response to a question i asked about my Rustler Merco 61 engine to a nice guy here on the forum, he amongst other things mentioned that a small quantity of 'White Gas' could be added to the fuel.
White Gas is obviously an American product.
Anyone know if this stuff exists here in Europe, and what it is called?
Is it a sort of gasoline product? (Like the good old lighter fuel)

Mr. Orsvold. "White Gas" was, in the old days ( before 1950) simply gasoline with no lead added. It was about 80 octane. If you can buy "no lead" gasoline at the pump, it will be equivalent. Or, you can use Coleman Lantern Fuel, which is actually Naptha, but it runs very well in spark ignition engines.

OK. Thanks.
Unleaded gasoline is the most common here anyway.
I never heard of it beeing used in Glow fuel though..
Norvald Olsvold

Technically (I think) current "unleaded gas" is not the same thing as "white gas", as it (the unleaded) still contains Octane Improvers, just not TetraEthyl Lead. Aviation Gas used to be unadulterated, too, but Coleman Fuel is probably the more reliable bet.

We used to add a bit of "white gas" to Team Racers (glow) in an effort to increse mileage. Adding any gasoline to the fuel will raise operating temperature, so be very cautious. Also, the usual warnings about volatility, flash point, etc.

Back in 75 or so I went to a contest in Norfolk VA and for some reason wasn't getting long enough run times out of my OS 35S. Someone at the contest suggested adding a touch of white gas to the fuel to increase the mileage. Started asking where to get white gas and someone else said use unleaded gas from a local gas station. I did and it worked great, was able to fly at the contest and believe I even placed but don't remember the actual placing.

Bob,

I think it was Walt Williamson who told you.

Tight Lines,

I neglected to mention: the term "white gas" came from the fact that the old unleaded gasoline was clear, like water. Various dye colors were, and are still, added to gasoline to identify the various grades (octane ratings).

I still don't understand why the Union 76 brand is purple! Totally unnecessary (and quite ugly-- not that I drink the stuff and have to look at it). There ought to be a color standard for automobile gasoline, but there doesn't seem to be one.

i have read about adding white gas to glow fuel before but the authors never specify quantities or % amounts. anyone care to get specific ?

A maximum of about 4 ounces per gallon seems to work the best for me. In the operating instructions for my older Merco there is a recommendation of adding "petrol" to the fuel mix. These days I use Coleman.