Ethanol free petrol

[Assassin]

Yes, I can also confirm thet petrol with and without ethanol damaged the polyester resins in GRP tanks, there are a number of specialist epoxy coatings which can be used to line them and fully seal them to stop this happening, the trick is getting the correct resin as there are thousands, and for the correct application as 5% ethanol needs a different resin to 10% ethanol.

 

[joliette]

Yes, I can also confirm thet petrol with and without ethanol damaged the polyester resins in GRP tanks, there are a number of specialist epoxy coatings which can be used to line them and fully seal them to stop this happening, the trick is getting the correct resin as there are thousands, and for the correct application as 5% ethanol needs a different resin to 10% ethanol.

Yes, there are some products out there that will - in theory - do the job. The problem is applying them under the correct conditions as recommended by the manufacturer. One product I found required the surface inside of the tank to be abraded and then the whole thing had to be baked after application at around 60 degrees C. Believe me, a 40 year old grp petrol tank is not the environment to attempt that kind of stunt! In my case, access to abrade the interior of the tank was extremely limited and the only way to do it properly would've been to cut open and remove the top of the tank. The swirl around type products maybe of some use for small motorbike tanks but don't work for higher ethanol concentrations and are probably impossible to apply in most boats. Ethanol concentrations are on the increase. The Boat Safety Scheme doesn't allow for GRP tanks at all. The best thing to do is take them out and put in something compliant. Personally, I'm surprised the risk is still insurable ... I see lots of scrap boats when the insurers do catch up!

 

[Assassin]

Any tank needs the correct prep work and this depends on the product you use as to how much, and what is needed.

 

[joliette]

Any tank needs the correct prep work and this depends on the product you use as to how much, and what is needed.

I may start another thread on this issue as there is a point in exploring the liability issues, to get an idea of the current position that surveyors and insurers are taking on GRP petrol tanks and how that may change as ethanol concentrations increase (double for 5 to 10% this year).

 

[Assassin]

My understanding is that they are attempting to do away with GRP tanks in other areas, this will invariably filter back down to leisure craft in time and as a minimum will ensure standards of products used for lining them will be introduced and qualifications for installers of lining products.

 

[zapcat]

Just to add to my already long list, I guess i now need to line my tank as well, ive only just saved up to buy 2 new engines! - as far as I can tell I dont have any baffles in my tank but havnt managed to get off the inspection hatch to have a good look inside. Do you have a recommended supplier of liners? - and how do you establish whether any damage has already occurred, what are the teltale signs?