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Q : What does the fuel tester check for?
A : The DT-47FTD tests for the presence of alcohol or an oxidizer in gasoline. This instrument is not set up to test methanol as the primary fuel for additives. Methanol has a very high conductivity and will short out the sensor.

Q : How is methanol tested?
A : Methanol may be tested by measuring the specific gravity and comparing it to the rule book published for your racing association. Another way is to use a clean bottle with 2 parts distilled water and 2 parts methanol. The water and methanol should mix and the result should become visibly clear immediately. If something has been added to the methanol the mixture will not become clear.

Q : What is actually being measured by the DT-47FTD
A : The fuel tester measures an electrical property of the fuel call the "Dielectric Constant". That characteristic of the fuel is very sensitive to the chemicals that are in the fuel. This instrument will not measure or read octane.

Q : What will the DT-47FTD read if alcohol is in the fuel?
A : The display will show a large positive increase in the reading. The actual amount of change depends on the amount of alcohol present. The greater the amount of alcohol in the gas, the greater the positive reading on the display.

Q : What do the numbers on the display read?
A : The numbers mean nothing by themselves. It does not read octane or percent. What the numbers do is help you compare the reading from a known reference (Cyclohexane or reliable pump gas) to the unknown fuel sample. The amount of change is the important factor. Any oxidizer added that will make a difference to the outcome of the race will cause the reading to jump to a very high positive number.

Q : Is it possible to have a legal reading while having illegal fuel?
A : Yes, it is possible to add chemicals to the illegal fuel/alcohol mixture that will cause the DT- 47FT to read correctly. However, this may not enhance the on track engine performance. One way to test for these other chemicals is the specific gravity test. Anything added to correct the DT-47FT will change the specific gravity of the fuel and this can be measured with the hydrometer.

Q : Will adding oil to the fuel cause an illegal reading?
A : It may cause an illegal reading because some oils do contain additives that may cause a high positive reading. Most oils will not be a problem but it is the responsibility of the competitor to check their oil/fuel mixture to see if it is legal.

Q : Why do two different fuel testers read differently with the same fuel?
A : If you take any two DT-47FTD’s and test them together at the same time they should read within ±5 of each other. There are several reasons why fuel testers may read differently. The biggest source of error is contamination on the sensor plates. If the sensor has not been cleaned in a while, spray Brake Kleen or a carburetor cleaner between the plates. Another problem is air bubbles trapped between the plates of the sensor. Move the sensor around in the fuel to remove the bubbles. Large temperature changes can also cause errors. Let the instrument temperature stabilize for 15 to 20 minutes before using it. It is also possible the Cyclohexane has been contaminated causing the readings to be off.

Q : Why does my "Pump Gas" read illegal with the tester?
A : In most areas of the country, additives are included in the fuel all year. Some areas of the country only add them during the winter. If a fuel has been 'oxygenated' it may have enough alcohol blended with it to cause an illegal reading.

Q : What if I have more questions?
A : Call Digatron (509)467-3128
Monday through Thursday, 7:30AM to 4:30PM. For more information, contact www.digatronusa.com