Just as the topic title asks, I know its POSSIBLE to run a car on bleach, but is it SAFE or practical to run a car on bleach? I know its a stupid question, but I figured there was a reason that running a car on bleach never picked up. So now I'm wondering as to why people don't do it, I mean I'm sure there's a reason as to why not, but I'm just wondering what it is.

 

No way man, Definatly not possible. As for reasons why. Ill get back to you on that when im done researching.

 

I watched an episode on Myth Busters * I know I know, what kinda reference is that right? lol* and they proved that by diluting the bleach with a little bit of gasoline it can run an engine

 

No, the bleach will destroy the engine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MythBusters_(season_2)

I could picture it clogging the fuel system if it reacted with of the gasoline and formed a gel. Bleach (aqueous solution) would not be soluble with gasoline. If enough bleach was present in the tank, it would be drawn into the fuel pump and destroy the fuel system. If some of that bleach made it into the cylinders before the engine dies from lack of fuel, it could cause corrosion if not flushed.

 

Last i recall, i dont think bleach is flammable. I realize gas is expensive and whatnot, but i dont think this is a good solution to our fuel consumption crisis. Not to mention Chlorine gas is poisonous...so be sure to avoid traffic jams. Now they're not only a nuisance, they're possibly fatal

 

All right, I'll drop some chemistry. Household "chlorine bleach" is a solution 3-6% (w/w) of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). It produces NaCl (table salt), NaOH (lye, which is caustic), Cl2 (chlorine gas), and O2 (oxygen gas) when it reacts. The chlorine and oxygen are the bleaching agents. Both gases are strong oxidizers. Both oxygen and chlorine gas are harmful in high concentrations.