Poly Tanks Leak Fumes

[reelapeelin]

On another forum, I read yesterday that poly tanks do leak fumes...enough to have filled up a guy's bilge, then he was rewirin' pump(didn't disconnect battery) and BAM!...'bout blew his head off...

Has anybody heard or encountered poly tanks emitting fumes?...

[chumbucket]

I find it hard to believe that a structurally sound poly tank could leak fumes. Polyethylene has been used for gasoline storage for many years now without problems. I could understand if there was a seam that was compromised, or a fitting loose, etc.
I don't know, but that's just my opinion.

[reelapeelin]

CB...I was surprised too, but there's a long thread on Hull Truth(Almost blew my boat up today) says molecular structure of poly material(over my head) allows fumes to seep thru....I'd sure like to see a definative answer on this...

[CaptJJ]

I can not give a definite answer on this, however, I have heard that that they can leak fumes right through the plastic. I was always curious why I could smell gas in my cuddy, when I know I didn't have any leaks.

[macojoe]

Just Great!! I just added a 25 Gal tank to my boat this spring!! Thats all I need :o

[reelapeelin]

MJ, if your new tank is not in an area that will CONTAIN the fumes, don't worry about it

[macojoe]

its in the bildge!! were the old I/O use to be. O well if anyone heres a bang think of me!! :o

[Seakindly]

Thanks,Iwas wonderin why all the new boats at the marina keep blowin up. ;)

[macojoe]

well at least my motor isn't near the tank anymore!! And I never disconected the blower!!

[Mac_Attack]

Here is a link that refers to poly tank's permeability. I had a 12 gal tempo tank on my Gruman and never smelled anything.
http://www.solvay-fluor.com/market/application/0,5880,-_EN-1000077-1000276,00.html

[reelapeelin]

Thanks Mac...that's the kinda info we need to see...they are saying seepage of 20g daily from average tank... is "g" grams or what?...

[reelapeelin]

Mj...any wiring, pumps or other electrcs(spark makers) in that bilge?...don't wanna unduly concern ya, but gas fumes SINK to bottom of whatever space they occupy...I'd hate to see ya have a problem one day when auto-bilge pump comes on w/fumes present, bilge go POOF... :o

[chumbucket]

Mj has forgotten what a bilge pump looks like ;D :-*

[macojoe]

I have one of them bike type pumps that CB held on to for dear life when we went out last time!!! LMFAO!!! ;D

[reelapeelin]

Well, your'e in great shape...them thangs don't make no sparks!....