[Aerkuld]

We used to use methanol in the CART engines which could do some real mischief if you didn't use the right materials for your seals etc. It would even corrode un-treated aluminum if left for a while. I guess the other problem is the horrible sticky residue it leaves behind when it evaporates. Engines being shipped or stored had to be 'pickled' by running on gasoline for a period of time before shutting down to get all the methanol out of the system. Looking at the charts in the links below it looks as though ethanol is much more material friendly.

http://www.efunda.com/DesignStandards/oring/oring_chemical.cfm?SM=none&SC=Methanol


http://www.efunda.com/DesignStandards/oring/oring_chemical.cfm?SM=none&SC=Ethanol#mat