I would REALLY like to monitor air/fuel ratio during my next test runs. I see that many reasonably priced air/fuel ratio meters will function with methanol. But I'm not sure how to come up with a sensor location that could work with individual exhaust stacks. Instructions for the meters only talk about where to place a sensor in an exhaust collector. Any comments?
YES, monitoring A/F is something you really want to do. Data of this nature can prevent the sort of problem you ran into. What I do is: On the run up to WOT, loaded on the brake, I'm watching the readout for A/F or BSFC to confirm that the engine is not way too lean or too rich. This prevents damage to the engine, as you are aware. You do however, need instrumentation you can trust . . . . . So . . . .
You could monitor 1 cylinder, and presume the others are equal, although that is probably not the case,
If your dyno facility can log fuel flow into the engine, that can be calculated into: Brake specific fuel consumption. Not A/F I know, but still useful. ALL SuperFlow dyno have this calculation capability, as do Depac and Performance Trends equipped.
I would check with the mfg to see if a "dual fuel" O2 sensor that is ethanol safe is also methanol safe. Methanol does have detrimental effects on some fuel flow sensors, notably SuperFlow.
I'm certain others on the board will have other ideas/experiences. Perhaps Harold Bettes or Mike Lefevers might have some suggestions, or put you into contact with a person with more experience.
Best wishes on this Jack. Everyone wants your project to succeed.
Mark