Alum. fuel tanks vs. ethanol fuel

[elkhunter338]

I heard a comment that ethanol fuel eats alum. fuel tanks. Has anyone ever had this happen?
If so are you sure it was the ethanol fuel and not electrolisis or water corrosion.
I have 2 18gal. alum tanks in my ss and I have been using ethanol fuel for probably the past 3-4 years. My tanks are clean and I have a big fuel filter so I have not had any fuel related issues.
I know the fiberglass guys have trouble with ethanol depending on the year of their fiberglass tanks, the ethanol will disolve the resin.
Thanks

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Alum. fuel tanks vs. ethanol fuel

It's a myth. If anything the ethanol will clean the tank and DOES NOT react or ear aluminum.

 

[Kainon]

Re: Alum. fuel tanks vs. ethanol fuel

I'm not trying to be a bell ringer, as I know there wouldn't be much corrosion going on, just something to think about.

Ethanol itself does not appear to affect aluminum, except when mixed with water, where it may contribute to internal corrosion.

http://my.boatus.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=56486&PN=1

I had 2 18g steel tanks, they were rusting inside, I guess they had issues before the ethanol, and it didn't take care of the rust, it was cloggin the inline filter I had (large and clear so I could see it) and the f/w separator, got so bad once had to stop and clear it by blowing into it backwards, was able to finish the day with the wife & kids. I recently installed a single 40g Moeller poly tank.