ethanol and gas tanks

[Huron Blue]

Does the gas tank in these boats go bad because of the ethanol? Anybody know where to get a new tank if I ever need one? thx

[RWilson2526]

Can't say I have heard of one rotting from the inside out, but they do certainly rot from the outside in. Silicone sealant goes bad around gas tank hatch, water gets into the fuel tank compartment which has no where to go and sits in the foam against the tank walls. You can get an exact replacement from oem somewhere in Florida. Somebody just recently posted contact info.

[SkunkBoat]

No, aluminum tanks corrode from salt water. Not effected by ethanol like fiberglass tanks.

You'll need to specify the model & year of V20 to get help finding a tank.
Generally, you can find a similar plastic tank or have an aluminum one made to match the old. For a 60 gal tank roughly $450 plastic, $550 aluminum.

Atlantic Coastal Welding, Bayville, NJ made mine (84 Cuddy).
You can probably find a local fabricator & save big$ on shipping.

[Huron Blue]

Originally Posted by SkunkBoat

No, aluminum tanks corrode from salt water. Not effected by ethanol like fiberglass tanks.

You'll need to specify the model & year of V20 to get help finding a tank.
Generally, you can find a similar plastic tank or have an aluminum one made to match the old. For a 60 gal tank roughly $450 plastic, $550 aluminum.

Atlantic Coastal Welding, Bayville, NJ made mine (84 Cuddy).
You can probably find a local fabricator & save big$ on shipping.

It is a fiberglass tank that's why I was concerned. Not made for ethanol in 1989. Guess if I hit a big wave then smell gas I'll know what happened. Good to know I could find one one way or the other though thanks.

[Huron Blue]

Originally Posted by RWilson2526

Can't say I have heard of one rotting from the inside out, but they do certainly rot from the outside in. Silicone sealant goes bad around gas tank hatch, water gets into the fuel tank compartment which has no where to go and sits in the foam against the tank walls. You can get an exact replacement from oem somewhere in Florida. Somebody just recently posted contact info.

ahh thx for the imfo

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by Huron Blue

It is a fiberglass tank that's why I was concerned. Not made for ethanol in 1989. Guess if I hit a big wave then smell gas I'll know what happened. Good to know I could find one one way or the other though thanks.

Are you sure it's fiberglass? WELLCRAFT never used fiberglass tanks to my knowledge. They used aluminum early on, and switched to poly tanks in the mid 80's. All of which are ethanol compatible.

[spareparts]

fiberglass tanks break down from the ethanol fuel. The resin turns gummy and gets into the carbs. If it sits long, it will solidify and ruin the carbs. I had a 4 stroke Mercury(Yamaha) on a whaler gum up. It actually stuck the intake valves open. I was able to save the carbs and get the valves free, but it cost him some $$$. . luminum can be any coloracrbs for that motor were over $600 each(4 needed). If you have a fiberglass tank, get rid of it before it destroys your motor.

BTW, are you sure you have a fiberglass tank? they are usually red in color. Poly tanks(OK with ethanol) are off white or light brown

[Huron Blue]

Originally Posted by spareparts

fiberglass tanks break down from the ethanol fuel. The resin turns gummy and gets into the carbs. If it sits long, it will solidify and ruin the carbs. I had a 4 stroke Mercury(Yamaha) on a whaler gum up. It actually stuck the intake valves open. I was able to save the carbs and get the valves free, but it cost him some $$$. . luminum can be any coloracrbs for that motor were over $600 each(4 needed). If you have a fiberglass tank, get rid of it before it destroys your motor.

BTW, are you sure you have a fiberglass tank? they are usually red in color. Poly tanks(OK with ethanol) are off white or light brown

Okay perhaps it is a poly tank. It's off white. Guess that's much better than the fiberglass ones!! Thx for the info!!

[THEFERMANATOR]

Try pushing on it, if it gives it is definately poly.

[Huron Blue]

Originally Posted by THEFERMANATOR

Try pushing on it, if it gives it is definately poly.

Cool I did not know this. Yes it does flex!! excellent.