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Plastic / Alloy Tanks With Ethanol


amberlefty
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Having seen what ethanol can do to 70's spanish fiberglass fuel tanks, I am curious if the later plastic (Bultaco, SWM, Fantic) tanks can carry 10% ethanol fuel without damage. How about the liner in an alloy tank (1976 and up TY250... C & D models).

What other parts need updating for this type fuel (can't afford $10/gal for race gas... have to drive 120 miles to get it anyway).

Anyone know for sure?

Thanks

Edited by amberlefty
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Gene, I personally know of nothing that suggests that fiberglass would be more reactive to alcohol as compared to gasoline. There have been suggestions that steel tanks may be more prone to corrosion.

It seems to me that the plastics are more reactive to ANY fuel!

I can testify that my modern Sherco tank has "grown" over time, yet unsure as to why.

You can still get 100 octane"pure" gas at your local airport! It has real "lead"in it! Witch does nothing for a 2T! But I have some hot starting problems with it, as it is blended for cooler temps!

MC ;)

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As an addendum, I did find a report on a study done by the US Coast Guard that suggested that oxigenated fuel may indeed cause a stripping of some heavy moelcules from the polyester resins used in many older marine fuel tank systems.

Apparently, these deposits cause engine problems! Particularly with valves and such in 4T motors.

Yet logic dictates, there must also be some deterioration of the fiberglass itself!

The avgas is sounding better! :D

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