So everynow and then i use the meths burner, but for some reason it takes a while to get going? Now i know for a fact that the meths i have is at least ten yrs old so does it have a shelf life and would this be why it takes so long to bloom?

Hard to know, I've never had any that old. Just go and buy some more you tight sod

He's saving for beer tomorrow

Greetz

S.

I'm going to have a stab at it depends how much moisture it's absorbed, (like brake fluid), but I expect it will still work for burning capability, just maybe not as efficiently.

wont need much for beer scott ill be pissed on two pints

Ten years you say?

Meths won't absorb water such as. Yes you can mix alcohols and h20. But unless you pour water in and purposly dilute it, it won't be affected with the water vapour in the ullage (air gap at the top). I would wonder if the container you store the meths in is contaminated. Soap or a detergent even in very minute quantities would affect the surface tension, and so it's ability to combust the vapour, but once burnt off would be fine. Best bet go into your local chemist, either buy or order some. Cost a couple of quid.

Having said that. Meths does take a fair while to generate a decent heat, in the best of conditions.

Aha, cheers chris. Nice to have people with actual knowledge about :)