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Bertram31.com General Bulletin Board
fuel tanks
Posted By: Greg
Date: Monday, 17 October 2005, at 8:21 a.m.
I copied this from the BoaterEd website. I was unable to to get any info from boatus (search function seems to be down). I have read about this problem here so I know this be of interest
GregBOATU.S. SAFETY ALERT:
NEWLY REFORMULATED GASOLINE WITH ETHANOL COULD RUPTURE
OLD FIBERGLASS GAS TANKS
Explosion Hazard and Significant Engine Damage Evidenced on Large, Older
VesselsOlder fiberglass fuel tanks may fail as a result of recent gasoline
reformulations that are using increased concentrations of the fuel additive
ethanol.BoatU.S. believes that as a result of industry-wide changes in fiberglass
resin formulations in the mid 1980's, the problem appears to be limited to
tanks manufactured prior to this date. Diesel fuel systems are not
affected. The fiberglass fuel tanks in question were standard equipment on
some Hatteras, Bertram and possibly other boats. While the investigation is
still in the preliminary stage, BoatU.S. believes that reformulations made
to gasoline in the Long Island Sound area that replaced MTBE (Methyl
Tertiary-Butyl Ether) in late 2004 with a 10% concentration of ethanol is
causing the additive to "attack" the resin in the old fiberglass tanks. The
results are weakened tank walls and bottoms with the potential to leak.
Anytime gasoline leaks into the bilge, there is a significant risk of an
explosion.BoatU.S. has confirmed reports of tank wall failure in which gasoline was
found leaking into the bilge. It also has reports of a tar-like substance -
possibly created from the chemical reaction between the older fiberglass
resin and ethanol - causing hard black deposits that damage intake valves
and pushrods, ultimately destroying the engine."At a minimum the problem can devalue a boat significantly since replacing
damaged fuel tanks and engines can be a significant expense. However, the
potential for leaking and explosion is a far greater factor," said Chuck
Fort, associate editor of Seaworthy, the damage avoidance newsletter from
BoatU.S.BoatU.S. is asking boaters for any firsthand reports or other information
they may have on the issue and is doing additional testing to evaluate the
extent of the problem. "We'd like to know if other gasoline reformulations
with lesser concentrations of ethanol react with the resin, perhaps at a
slower pace," said Fort.The increasing use of ethanol has largely been the result of federal and
state efforts to replace MTBE, a potential carcinogen, with a safer
alternative. MTBE and ethanol oxygenate fuel to help reduce harmful
emissions when running cold engines just after startup. BoatU.S. has no
reports from other states using lesser concentrations of ethanol. "Many
well-regarded boat manufacturers have used fiberglass tanks reliably for
years," said Fort. "But unforeseen by these builders, the new reformulation
in New York and Connecticut includes a high percentage of ethanol. And
unfortunately, gasoline with ethanol is the only fuel available to boaters
in these areas," he added. Some stations in New Jersey may also be using
ethanol-enhanced fuel.If you have any information on the issue, please contact Fort at
703-461-2878, ext. 3033 or email CFort@BoatUS.com.Early symptoms may include engine backfiring and hard (sluggish) starting,
in which the motor turns over slowly as though the battery were weak.
Affected engines also may not reach their rated RPM. Fort said,
"Ironically, the substance seems to pass through fuel filters leaving no
tell-tale marks - some have appeared clean on our reports. The only way to
know for certain is to pull the carburetor and inspect the underside for a
black, gummy film which can indicate a serious problem."Until it fully understands the extent of the issue, BoatU.S. is recommending
that any early 1980's or older vessel with fiberglass gas tanks be stored
empty over the winter.BoatU.S. - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the nation's
leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its 620,000 members with
a wide array of consumer services including a group-rate marine insurance
program that insures nearly a quarter million boats; the largest fleet of
more than 500 towing assistance vessels; discounts on fuel, slips, and
repairs at over 825 Cooperating Marinas; boat financing; and a subscription
to BoatU.S. Magazine, the most widely read boating publication in the U.S.__________________
Associate Editor, Seaworthy Magazine, BoatU.S.
http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/default.asp
Over 25 yrs boating the California Delta!
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