ethanol and gas tanks

H

Huron Blue

Member
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
SkunkBoat said:
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.
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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.
 
RWilson2526 said:
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.
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ahh thx for the imfo
 
Huron Blue said:
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.
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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.
 
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
 
spareparts said:
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
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Okay perhaps it is a poly tank. It's off white. Guess that's much better than the fiberglass ones!! Thx for the info!!
 

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I purchased an original factory replacement 60 gal tank for my 86 v20 c/c, from the original mfg. in Perry fl. for about $480.00 and $100.00 for s/h. last year. the company is called RDS 1-800-292-6898, 850-584-4897
JET
 
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