Author Topic: Fiberglass or plastic tanks and todays gas (Read 5740 times)

Scott S · « **on:** January 06, 2011, 06:12:52 AM »

This isn't specifically about the SOHC4's, but I thought the answer might help someone out with THEIR SOHC4, so....

I've been desperately searching for the right tank for my KZ250 cafe' project. I've found a few plastic or (older) fiberglass tanks that may fit the bill, but I'm worried about the effects of todays gas.

Is there a safe way to run a 'glass or plastic tank with ethanol laced fuel?

MoMo · « **Reply #1 on:** January 06, 2011, 06:24:11 AM »

You will probably have to coat it. There are quite a few threads here on sealing a tank. Friend had a Tracy tank/fairing that had to be sealed...Larry

Scott S · « **Reply #2 on:** January 06, 2011, 06:29:09 AM »

But I know a guy with a new 'glass tank that was coated and it still ate through it.

Does it matter if the tank is older? Is it just the gas or the construction of the tank? I see lots of dirt bike tanks that are plastic. Do they suffer the same fate?

Outboardbill · « **Reply #3 on:** January 06, 2011, 06:48:18 AM »

I run a boat repair facility. For many years Boston Whalers used a fiberglass tank. They don't any longer. I have seen those tanks begin to dissolve in the presence of ethanol and send fibers and resin into the outboard fuel system. It then blocks carb passages and eventually destroys the engine. The dissolved resin will get past a fuel filter. I have been told that newer resin systems can tolerate ethanol but I don't take the chance.

fmctm1sw · « **Reply #4 on:** January 06, 2011, 07:37:27 AM »

Here's a good read: http://www.evinrude-parts.com/boat_ethanol_danger_precaution.html

nomad · « **Reply #5 on:** January 06, 2011, 07:51:19 AM »

Local stations that sell ethanol free gas...

http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp

Scott S · « **Reply #6 on:** January 06, 2011, 07:57:20 AM »

Quote from: nomad on January 06, 2011, 07:51:19 AM

Local stations that sell ethanol free gas...

http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp

And not a single one in my hometown...

nomad · « **Reply #7 on:** January 06, 2011, 08:01:56 AM »

Quote from: Scott S on January 06, 2011, 07:57:20 AM

Quote from: nomad on January 06, 2011, 07:51:19 AM
Local stations that sell ethanol free gas...

http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp

And not a single one in my hometown...

Mine neither. But I'm going to take a few gas cans (or buy one big one for the garage) and find the closest one. The closest one to us is roughly 40 minutes away. Maybe I should have written "local (if you're lucky) stations" in my first post.

domer · « **Reply #8 on:** January 06, 2011, 08:09:08 AM »

#$%*... my state isnt even on there... #$%*ing cali hippies

Trav-i · « **Reply #9 on:** January 06, 2011, 08:24:01 AM »

None in my hometown either. However there is one place about 20 or 30 minutes north of me. Wonder if it's worth the trip?

Shoeboxjoe · « **Reply #10 on:** January 06, 2011, 08:29:12 AM »

I run a glass tank and the coating from the builder wasn't sufficient, gas ate right through it at one of the corners (or it was a poorly sealed tank). I cleaned it out and recoated it with Caswell's Epoxy Gas Tank Sealer (http://www.caswellplating.com/aids/epoxygas.htm) and its rock solid, I couldn't be happier. They claim on their site it withstands modern ethanol based fuels and I'd have no reason to doubt it, they're stuff seems pretty quality.

I used twice the recommended amount (the whole pint) in my application though to make sure it was a thick coating since i knew i already had a leak.

Gordon · « **Reply #11 on:** January 06, 2011, 08:40:53 AM »

Quote from: Scott S on January 06, 2011, 06:29:09 AM

But I know a guy with a new 'glass tank that was coated and it still ate through it.

Does it matter if the tank is older? Is it just the gas or the construction of the tank? I see lots of dirt bike tanks that are plastic. Do they suffer the same fate?

It's probably just the fiberglass tanks you have to worry about. If dirt bike tanks are made from the same kind of plastic that your typical gas can is made out of then they shouldn't have any issues.

nomad · « **Reply #12 on:** January 06, 2011, 08:50:53 AM »

I'm about to redo the fouled up kreem job in my tank with the POR15 cycle fuel tank repair kit. After reading this thread, I started wondering about their sealant's ability to handle ethanol gas. So, I called them. The POR15 rep said without hesitation that ethanol will not affect their coating... whew - good to know!

Now I'm wondering if there are special fuel lines I should look into. Doesn't ethanol eat rubber over time?

ksmith0034 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 06, 2011, 09:58:46 AM »

Quote from: Shoeboxjoe on January 06, 2011, 08:29:12 AM

I run a glass tank and the coating from the builder wasn't sufficient, gas ate right through it at one of the corners (or it was a poorly sealed tank). I cleaned it out and recoated it with Caswell's Epoxy Gas Tank Sealer (http://www.caswellplating.com/aids/epoxygas.htm) and its rock solid, I couldn't be happier. They claim on their site it withstands modern ethanol based fuels and I'd have no reason to doubt it, they're stuff seems pretty quality.

I used twice the recommended amount (the whole pint) in my application though to make sure it was a thick coating since i knew i already had a leak.

How did you clean it out? My Dunstall tank already had a liner from the po, but I also have a quart of Caswell in case it ever starts to leak.

Shoeboxjoe · « **Reply #14 on:** January 06, 2011, 10:14:13 AM »

I followed Caswell's instructions on their site for cleaning and preparing the tank which involved acetone and paint stripper with methylene chloride... needless to say my shiney new paint job on the tank needed some "touch ups" after this process.

Before I painted the tank, which i bought new, i asked the vendor/builder if he recommended I seal the tank again just to be safe. He replied "My tanks NEVER leak" and seemed insulted I would even suggest it needed additional work.

swellguy · « **Reply #15 on:** January 06, 2011, 04:13:15 PM »

I just saw this site advertised in Classic Bike:

http://tankcareproducts.co.uk/

Maybe something there is helpful.

seaweb11 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 06, 2011, 04:40:54 PM »

Quote from: photolar on January 06, 2011, 06:24:11 AM

You will probably have to coat it. There are quite a few threads here on sealing a tank. Friend had a Tracy tank/fairing that had to be sealed...Larry

I did my Tracy with Por15 2-3 years ago. I spoke with someone in the R&D office and was told it is fine. My tank looks great still

Gaither · « **Reply #17 on:** January 06, 2011, 06:20:10 PM »

Fmct

Thanks for the Evenrude link. Man, they "tell it like it is"!

IMHO This info should get a full page in every news paper in the U.S.

Even the Gov is (and has been) lying about ethanol. And, ALL taxpayers subsidize every gallon produced - to the detriment of our own vehicles (and a 10% reduction in fuel mileage).

What a crapy mess!

Spiider · « **Reply #18 on:** January 07, 2011, 02:53:19 PM »

That and you also have to consider the massive negative impact ethanol has had on third world food prices.

When you make a commodity into fuel source much more valuable than it price as a food source...people starve.

We don't feel it here as the average north american spends only 3% of their disposable income on food, but in third world countries they rely on cheap staples like corn, soybeans, rice etc. as their main food. They also spend more than 50% of their income on food generally.

World food prices are at near all time high, almost as high as the food crisis of 2008.

The use of ethanol isn't just a major inconvenience to guys like us, it is literally live or die for many starving people in the world who now can't afford to eat. The US is the worlds largest producer of corn...

Oops my data is a few days late...

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2011/01/05/world-food-prices-record.html

We have hit a new record....and food riots have begun again.

Gaither · « **Reply #19 on:** January 07, 2011, 05:54:00 PM »

Spiider

Right on! It even jacked up food prices considerably in the U.S.

It is ALL just a crying SHAM! (And, yes, I do know how to spell "shame"!)

Spanner 1 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 07, 2011, 06:37:34 PM »

Gaither +1..... it should be a moral issue to avoid buying ethanol gas, but very few of us have that option or are aware of the facts. I'm super lucky that my nearest gas station is ethanol free

On a side note, the era of 'big corn' needs to be over, 'high fructose corn syrup 'is in everything, take a look at every food item you pick-up at the grocery store. Way part of the diabetes epidemic IMO.

Gaither · « **Reply #21 on:** January 07, 2011, 07:10:53 PM »

Spanner

+100!! You are absolutely correct! It needs to end - SOON!

Yeah, ethanol free is available in 1 station within 8 miles of me (out of 10 or 12). This guy has both with & without. Previously, he sold both at the same price. Now, he gets 6 cents more for ethanol free. Disagreeable but considering a 10% mileage diff, it is still worth it (not considering all the many other reasons to not use ethanol laced fuel).

I always try to swing by there after a ride to fill the 550 - even when it isn't convenient.

Thanks

KeithB · « **Reply #22 on:** January 09, 2011, 03:44:29 AM »

I can't comment on the effect of the gas but before you install, it might be worth checking if it's legal to use for street riding.
It's not legal here in Ontario and the insurance companies might have something to say if you get into an accident with a non approved gas tank.
just my $.02 worth...

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Author Topic: Fiberglass or plastic tanks and todays gas (Read 5740 times)

nomad

nomad

nomad