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Ethenol is killing fuel tanks...

Discussion in 'Chris Craft Roamer Yacht' started by mackenzie, Sep 13, 2005.

  1. mackenzie, Sep 13, 2005
    #1
    mackenzie

    mackenzie New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2005
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    mackinac island
    IS ANYONE EXPERIENCING FUEL TANK FAILURES/ENGINE FAILURES IN GAS BOATS?? IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY HEARD, ETHANOL IS NOW BEING ADDED TO GAS, AND ITS NOT COMPATABLE WITH THE FIBERGLASS RESINS USED IN THE OLD BOATS. IT SEEMS TO BE BOATS OF 1960'S-1970'S, THESE OWNERS ARE ALL CRYING AS THIS IS HAPPENING AT A RAPID RATE ACROSS THE COUNTRY, AND THEY'RE SPENDING THOUSANDS $$$$ TEARING UP DECKS,STATEROOMS, COCKPITS,ETC. IT SEEMS THAT BOAT BUILDERS BACK THEN NEVER EXPECTED GAS COMPANIES TO BE ADDING CORN TO GASOLINE IN THE FUTURE.

    I JUST BOUGHT A 1974 42' COMMANDER WITH GAS. I JUST NOW HEARD OF THESE PROBLEMS. ANY IMPUT WOULD BE GREATLY,GREATLY APPRECIATED.

    THANKS
  2. gdalegonalot, Oct 7, 2005
    #2
    gdalegonalot

    gdalegonalot Guest

    Thanks for the warning. I will research further. Gary
  3. alloyed2sea, May 31, 2006
    #3
    alloyed2sea

    alloyed2sea Moderator

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2004
    Messages:
    871
    Location:
    Alex, VA
    Ethanol/Dangers

    It will also be killing your (non-copper) fuel lines, and causing water to ruin your motors(less likely) - FAIR WARNING!!!
    http://www.byy.com/tidewatch/spring2006/pdf/Spring06_15.pdf
    http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/story/6266161p-6172320c.html
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E85#Risks
    http://powerboat.about.com/b/a/255891.htm
    http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2006/05_15-10/TOP

    An excerpt..../Is there any problems of increasing the percentage of ethanol used to 20% or 25% without any engine modifications? Many states are considering legislation to increase ethanol content of gasoline to 20%. While this is a good idea, a vehicle can not use a 20% blend without certain modifications to the fuel system. at the very least the fuel lines will need to be replaced since the ethanol will degrade them to the point where fuel pressure will cause the line to rupture. Also, the electric fuel pumps will need to be modified to resist ethanol "dry rot".

    SOLUTION: Check those fuel lines. Fortunately, Roamer owners are unlikely to have fiberglass gas tanks - duh, but a good water separator/fuel filter is recommended: http://www.maesco.com/products/racor/r_gas/r_gas.html
    Mind you, they are only going to a10% ethanol mixture - per EPA's guidance. So, for more calming assessments look here (Mecury Marine's & Crusader's analysis is half way down):
    http://my.boatus.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=56471&PN=1&TPN=3
    Last edited: Jun 1, 2006