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Is E85 compatable with aluminum fuel tanks

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Is E85 compatable with aluminum fuel tanks

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Old 05-05-2008 | 11:10 AM
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Default Is E85 compatable with aluminum fuel tanks

Is E85 compatable with aluminum fuel tanks or just stainless. The tanks in my boat are aluminum and are in good shape and I want to know if I have to change the fuel tanks to run E85 or will I be safe.
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Old 05-05-2008 | 11:22 AM
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From what I have read I would say no.
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Old 05-05-2008 | 11:51 AM
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I just did a course last weekend on preparing for the problems that are coming due to e85. Aluminum and ethanol do not get along very well at all. Its going to be a real headache.
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Old 05-05-2008 | 12:42 PM
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I've read a few things on it, including the NMMA report and I have a hard time buying the aluminum part.

NMMA points out that it isn't really the aluminum + ethanol, it is actually the water that ethanol likes to absorb that can destroy your tank.

Well, where in the heck is all that water coming from? I can't see how there would be any more or less water in the tank if it's filled with one thing or another.
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Old 05-05-2008 | 01:14 PM
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Originally Posted by VetteLT193
Well, where in the heck is all that water coming from? I can't see how there would be any more or less water in the tank if it's filled with one thing or another.
The Ethanol absorbs the water from the humidity in the air, through the vent(s) to the fuel tank(s).
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Old 05-05-2008 | 01:21 PM
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So if you were going to build a tank for your boat, would you spend the extre $$$$ for stainless?
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Old 05-05-2008 | 01:40 PM
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I don't know about E85, but using E10: the tanks in the Jag have had no issues. The tanks don't show any corrosion and the filters are always clean.

This stuff has had good write-ups and I use it occassionally: Starbrite additive "Enzyme Fuel Treatment"
"Prevents fuel oxidation and stabilizes fuel chemistry for at least 1 year, ....... Instantly cures fuel jelling caused by cold weather and E10---alcohol fuels..

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