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ContinuousWave Whaler Moderated Discussion Areas ContinuousWave: The Whaler GAM or General Area Effect of Gasoline-Alcohol Fuels on Fiberglass Resin Fuel Tanks
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Author | Topic: Effect of Gasoline-Alcohol Fuels on Fiberglass Resin Fuel Tanks |
ratherwhalering |
posted 07-24-2006 03:37 PM ET (US)
I have done some research regarding the resins used in fiberglass tanks made by Plate Plastics of Miami. For a quality report of ethanol and fiberglass fuel tanks, see: http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/fueltest.asp The following is quoted with permission from that article: quote: Beginning this month, Pate has upgraded their resin from Poly-lite 32773-00 to Hetron-FR998 INF-25. For information on Poly-lite 32773-00, see: For information on Hetron FR998, see: quote: |
pglein |
posted 07-24-2006 04:11 PM ET (US)
Hetron is what we used in the production of dual-laminate tanks and piping systems for refineries and chemical plants. We lined the systems with plastics (hence the term dual-laminate) for superior resistance to corrosion. Perhaps going to a dual-laminate design would eliminate the problem once and for all (although also drastically increase the cost). |
pglein |
posted 07-24-2006 04:19 PM ET (US)
One of the things that people need to remember is that these things have what is called a "service life". You can't buy something like a fuel tank and expect it to last forever. |
BOB KEMMLER JR |
posted 07-24-2006 05:00 PM ET (US)
pglein-For the price of one of these tanks,they better at least outlast me |
sr |
posted 07-25-2006 12:52 AM ET (US)
Now this rather disturbes me. I believe I will be calling Pate again, tomorrow. During the previous thread my contact with them indicated absolutely no problem with the resins leaching from my 1991 fuel tank. Obviously they are concerned enough to us a different, or better resin. |
ratherwhalering |
posted 07-25-2006 01:10 PM ET (US)
According to Pate, their tanks are suceptible to degredation from Ethanol. Pate explains that this may result in "fish scale" like residue in the tank, not liquified black sludge as reported above. Chuck Fort, the editor of Seaworthy magazine, has only 4 reports of Pate tank failures. Of these four reports, only one reported a 'black sludge' residue in the tank. The remaining three reports were related to structural failure. Pate believes that the liquified black sludge is a result of poor quality fiberglass resin and interior tank gel coating. Pate states that Poly-lite 32773-00 was a high quality, low styrene content resin. There is no interior lining, other than a laminate resin. Pate recommends inspecting the tank and aluminum screen on the pick-up tube regularly, in addition to installation of a quality in-line fuel filter. |
ratherwhalering |
posted 08-04-2006 02:15 PM ET (US)
A final note. Pate has changed resin manufacturers primarily in response to market concerns. Pate has been in business for over 35 years, and changed formulas in order to assure its customers that they are doing everything possible to provide a product that addresses problems posed by these new fuels. It is an indication of their commitment to their customers and the boating community. The folks at Pate have been forthcoming with all the information I requested, and have spoken with me, at length, regarding the manufacturing process. Pate does not have a customer service department. When you call, you either speak to Barbara Pate, Joe Pate, or someone on the manufacturing floor. I suspect that some of the terse replies were from the plant floor, and not Joe or Barbara. |
Hoop |
posted 08-05-2006 11:27 AM ET (US)
Rob, Thanks so much for the diligent work to bring us up to date on the Pate fuel tank situation. Helpful comment regarding who answers the phone! Best regards, Currently ... Friday Harbor, WA |
TightPenny |
posted 08-11-2006 02:58 PM ET (US)
I had the occasion to call them this morning. They told me essentially the same thing, that they had just changed resins based on the concerns being raised by customers. This is not to mention all of the horror stories that we all read everywhere. I really had called to see if they could recommend an ethanol resistant gasket for the filler cap. Mine is disolving as we speak. The tank was new last year (the Tempo warped its way into big time water leaks). They told me that there really isn't an ethanol resistant gasket that they know of. The did tell me that they would be sending me a couple of gaskets at no charge to replace the one I have. They seem to be really nice people, anxious to help a customer. |
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