[Public-list] Ethanol detrimental to plastic fuel tanks

[J Bergquist]

Guys-

rather than debate this as if I know what I'm talking about (I don't), I
looked up some references with google:

http://www.beyondfossilfuel.com/ethanol/fiberglass_tanks.html - article from
BoatUS July 2006

http://www.gatago.com/rec/boats/21529122.html - another BoatUS reference.

These references discuss, among other issues:

1. Long term stability of ethanol blended gas (it's not as good as MTBE
blends)
2. Cold weather stability of ethanol blended gas (it's supposed to be
problematic)
3. Water absorption of ethanol blended gas
4. Effect of ethanol-blended gas on fiberglass tanks
5. Effect of mixing ethanol and MTBE blended gasolines.

Because of issues 1 and 2 above, it appears that some people are
recommending that you store your tank EMPTY over the winter. I am not
claiming to know. I'm just saying you should look into it if you have a gas
inboard. Therefore, I suggest that if you have a gas engine you read these
references and figure out what you need to do to deal with the increasingly
widespread practice of blending ethanol with gasoline.

For the record I have a diesel engine which carries with it a whole 'nother
set of fuel issues. I am merely responding to this thread out of casual
interest and a hope that those of you with gas engines can save yourself
some trouble and some expense by being careful when it comes to ethanol. I
have read a bunch of horror stories about E-blend gas for boaters. I have my
own set of engine horror stories, and I would just as soon not see other
Alberg owners have to deal with silly motor problems if it's not necessary.

Kind regards,

JB

On 9/11/06, brooks.glenn at comcast.net <brooks.glenn at comcast.net> wrote:
>
> I don't know anything about ethanol hurting glass fuel tanks.  Mine is
> made of brass sheeting and I run a diesel, so have not had to   worry about
> it.
>
> However, I am sure of one thing.  An empty or partly empty tank will
> condense lots of water throughout the winter.  I overwintered  boats in the
> water in Alaska for many years and always siphoned out 2 quarts- 1 gal of
> water every spring from spring.  I finally got smart and topped the tank off
> in late fall, with almost no residual water build up.
>
> If the tank if full, there should be very little opportunity to dissolve
> Ethanol in water, as there won't be any...
>
> Also, regarding ethanol separating due to the cold.  I have a hard time
> with that discussion, as ethanol has been used in the arctic at very cold
> temps, with no reports of separation--(however not at the 85% blend
> mentioned early today on the list)
>
> However, it would be very interesting to here how this all plays out next
> spring...
>
> -------------- Original message ----------------------
> From: "C.B. Currier" <cbcurrier at spinrx.com>
> > All,
> >
> > I nkow that Infinity #57 has a Poluester Based Fiberglass Gas Tank. What
> I
> > thought was that at this time Maryland was not dispensing Ethanol base
> gas
> > but I have neither confirmed or denied this.
> >
> > However Yes there were some A30s that did get fiberglass Tanks. So be
> sure
> > to check.
> >
> > Also Andrew:
> > Be sure to Store your tank FULL over the Winter! The Stabilizer stuff
> > helps but during the winter with a low or empty tank you have a very
> high
> > likelyhood of getting water vaopr into your tank and thus increasing the
> > headache you will have in the spring.
> >
> > The less room in your tank to breathe the better off your fuel will be
> in
> > the spring. Also alcohol should help not hurt the situation with water
> so
> > fill her up.
> >
> > --
> > C.B. Currier
> > Infinity #57
> > Dauybreak #458
> >
> >
> > George Dinwiddie wrote:
> > > edward schroeder wrote:
> > >> Have the Alberg owners with gasoline engines read the article "Some
> > >> Boat Owners with Gunky Motors Sing Ethanol Blues" by Robert Tomsho?
> > >> The article describes what ethanol does to plastic fuel tanks and
> > >> what the results of that reaction does to gas engines.
> > >
> > > I don't think it affects polyethylene tanks; just polyester
> > > (fiberglass).  I don't think any Alberg 30's were made with fiberglass
> > > fuel tanks.
> > >
> > > It will, however, absorb water from the air and can then separate from
> > > the gasoline.  I think the recommendations are to winter with the tank
> > > empty rather than topped off.
> > >
> > >   - George
> > >
> > > --
> > >
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> > >    When I remember bygone days                         George
> Dinwiddie
> > >    I think how evening follows morn;
> gdinwiddie at alberg30.org
> > >    So many I loved were not yet dead,
> http://www.Alberg30.org
> > >    So many I love were not yet born.
> > >                 'The Middle' by Ogden Nash
> > >
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> > >
> > >
> > >
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