Installing New Fuel Tank

[edgutgesell]

I am installing a new cross linked polyethelene fuel tank in my boat. The new tank is an additional tank to increase my boat's cruising range. It's my understanding that polyethelene is not effected by ethanol fuel. It is also my understanding that polyester and epoxy resins (fiberglass) break down when exposed to ethanol fuel. My question is:

Besides polyethelene, what plastics are not effected by ethanol. I am considering using rigid PVC pipe as filler pipe. I am also considering using a plumbers soil pipe connector with stainless steel hose clamps for the PVC filler pipe to fuel tank connection. I believe the soil pipe connectors are neoprene. Are PVC and neoprene effected by ethanol fuel? Your replies are really appreciated!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Installing New Fuel Tank

My recommendation is to forget fittings designed for water systems. You need to use approved fuel fittings available right here on iBoats. Kits can also be purchased from any outlet that sells boating supplies and equipment. Lastly -- an incorrect installation will give your insurance company an excuse to deny a claim if you should, heaven forbid, have a fire that destroys the boat, and worse, injures you or a passenger.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Installing New Fuel Tank

You must use US Coast Guard approved hoses for fill, vent and fuel line. Also need to clamp be regs (assume double clamps on everything).

Approved hoses are available at marine supply stores. They have USCG markings on them.

This is one area where standards are good.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Installing New Fuel Tank

Take their advice, it is good. If you jerry rig any part of your fuel system and the coast guard checks you over, its good bye boat.

Here is a link to everything you need to know to meet the Coast Guard regulations:

http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/boatbuilder/fuel/fuel.htm

Approved fuel system parts are a little pricy, so shop around. I found quite a few of the fuel system parts on ebay brand new for much less than any retailer. Just look around.

Do it right, do it once.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Installing New Fuel Tank

The ethanol will soften PVC cement.

I wouldn't want a rigid anything connected to the fuel tank anyway; you want the ability for it to flex and vibrate without coming apart.

 

[edgutgesell]

Re: Installing New Fuel Tank

My reason for asking the question initially about filler pipe/hose was that I had read all of the Coast Guard requirements and with fuel line hose from the tank to the engine, the requirements as to type were very precise. (a. USCG Type A1 and must meet the performance requirements of SAE Standard J1527 DEC85, Class1 and Underwriter Laboratories Inc. (UL) Standard 1114)

Filler hose requirements as to type were not clear and not defined as to type. Where filler pipe (gas cap) was located so that spilled fuel would flow overboard and not into the boat was quite detailed and precise as to location. There was no mention that the pipe from the filler in the gunnels to the fuel tank had to meet the USCG Type A1 requirement. Also, the requirements for vent pipes were detailed as to size and location but did not indicate a USCG Type A1 hose requirement.

I had already installed USCG Type A1 hose from the tank to the Raycor filter and filter to the engine. I will install 5/8" USCG Type A1 for the venting and also 1-1/2" Type A1 for filler hose from the filler cap to the new tank if I can find it. The reason I asked about the PVC pipe was that I looked up rigid PVC's properties and the manufacturers indicated that It was not effected by gasoline. I didn't consider that the solvent to connect PVC fittings was not gasoline proof. I thought that the solvent to connect PVC pipe was not a glue but a solvent that fused the PVC together and evaporated leaving only PVC. Since I will be running 1-1/2" USCG Type A1 filler hose above deck from the gunnel to the tank, I need to protect it from being crushed by someone stepping on it. Maybe I will run the 1-1/2" USCG Type 1 hose through rigid PVC to protect it. Do you think the CG will have a problem with that!!!

As a result of all of your replies, I think that my fuel tank installation will pass the CG's inspections!!

Thanks again!