Ethanol in 1 week - how long do I have?

[ohiohatteras]

Just found out over the weekend that my marina WILL NOT be going the summer on ethanol free fuel. It will be here on 6/1/08.

The funds are low right now due to major home renovations......so new tanks are not in the current budget. Does anybody have any idea on how long I'll be able to last with my glass tanks + ethanol? I just ordered 1 dozen racor replacement filters and plan to be changing them every other week or so to try to hang on.......

Please let me know what you know....
Thanks
Todd

 

[Genesis]

You're likely screwed.

The problem is that you may not know you're screwed until engine damage has occurred. Filters won't block it, as the resin becomes soluble and passes the elements in solution.

I don't know what to tell 'ya..... it ain't good.

 

[Silverado6x6]

Can you buy fuel somewhere else that is safe?

 

[spincycle]

do all hatteras have fiberglass tanks? i have a 1990 hatt, am i in trouble too?

Spincycle

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I just filled up with ULSD for $4.20/gal today at a state owned marina. The guy there told me that they would still have Reg gas (no ethanol) for this year but that next year it would be 10%. That's just too bad for everyone around with old fiberglass tanks. How stupid our govt is.

Also, that's my first fill up with ULSD. I added the recommended amount of Diesel Kleen. Hopefully we won't have any lubricity issues.

 

[Genesis]

ULSD will be fine, especially in those old 'Troits.

As for the ethanol situation there is no good answer. Ethanol-resistant resin IS in some later tanks; I have heard different dates on when the formulation was changed.

 

[REBrueckner]

Although no picnic, perhaps BEFORE using ethanol fuel (and damaging fuel tanks) you could cut into existing fuel tanks, have them coated with a protective finish product and then fiberglass the tanks back together....

Anybody know if there is just a protective product available???

 

[Boatsb]

I see no savings in using the old tanks after re coating for 2 reasons.

1) the work to remove and install new ones will be less. No need to open them up and reseal them.

2) if you miss a spot in the re coating the tank will fail and will cause more problems than you will expect because you will have a false sense of security thinking the tanks are OK.


I know biting the bullet is tough for the $3-5K of new tanks but I see no better option with ethanol coming out.

As an aside the ethanol fuel has caused some issues with my 1988 Honda Hawk GT. It seems the varnish is being dissolves and causing carb issues. Although not as detrimental as the fiberglass tank problem I am feeling the pains of this stupid fuel because there is no other choice.

Thanks Washington. You did it again.

 

[akintosyali]

Ditto oneverything Scott said. Plus you will not be able to get anyone to certify it to be to USCG code - huge problem if you try to sell. Bite the bullet, and chaneg the tanks. (I changed the fuel lines, and master cabin layout and flooring) while at it.

 

[67hat34c]

Your insurance carrier may cancel you or suspend coverage until you change tanks.

I have studied this and found coatings and figured a tank could be cleaned, sandblasted and coated with fiberglass and vinylester resin but as scott said, you have done most of the work by pulling tanks and the little you save if any by trying to coat the tanks will not outweigh the risk of failure and having to do all the work again. And besides you will gain some volume by going aluminum without changing outside dimensions. I plan to add 6" to the length and gain more volume.

If you are content for making some short slow speed runs then you may want to get a couple of plastic tanks and use them as very short range temps. I may do this with mine. I have 2 full tanks right now and am deciding the best way to use and when. Most likely one good fishing trip and a bunch of very short range party trips then park her and do the work.

 

[akintosyali]

I actually went with smaller tanks under the beds, (to get more storage room, and also to help with freshness of the fuel), but I also set it up so that I can easily add a 3rd and 4th tank, and double original capacity if I want to...

 

[34Hatt]

As for how long It varied a great amount boats starting getting it bad with in months some took over a year +. Trust me you do not want to find out the hard way. NY was first and the the unlucky ones found out the hard way. Even after a lot of us new what was happening there were plenty of owners not wanting to believe it and it cost them extra money and time. If you use E10 in your tanks chances are you will be pulling the heads off your engine's. Filters do not help that will be more money wasted. Just bite the bullet and change the tanks!
Sorry Dan

 

[Flick]

Todd,
I dock in Huron and my marina's supplier says no ethanol this season. There's got to be more marinas between Port Clinton and Huron with the same supplier.
With the price of fuel, I most likely will stay in the range of my marina this summer.