Katerina Swanson
The use of fiberglass fuel tanks in motorcycles is a topic that has been widely discussed in various forums. While some people have expressed concerns about the safety and durability of these tanks, others have shared their experiences with successfully using fiberglass fuel tanks in their bikes. One of the main concerns with fiberglass fuel tanks is their compatibility with ethanol fuel. It has been noted that ethanol can dissolve the resin in fiberglass, leading to potential fuel system issues. However, some forum users have suggested using sealers or ethanol-safe liners to address this problem. Additionally, the use of alternative resins, such as vinylester, has been proposed to resist the effects of ethanol. Some motorcycle enthusiasts have also explored the option of custom-making their own fiberglass fuel tanks or using other composite materials like carbon fiber. Despite the challenges, many individuals continue to experiment with fiberglass fuel tanks in their motorcycles, seeking innovative solutions to enhance their performance and durability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | In the US, it is illegal to use a fiberglass tank on the street due to the risk of fire in the event of a crash. |
| Ethanol | Ethanol can dissolve the resin in fiberglass tanks, causing fuel system blockages. |
| Sealers | Sealers can be used to address sealing concerns, but may not be durable if the ethanol fuel has already started to break down the fiberglass resins. |
| Liners | Liners are typically used in fuel tanks to address leakage concerns. However, some users have reported that no liner will work on fiberglass tanks. |
| Static Electricity | Static electricity can be a concern, but it can be mitigated by grounding the tank or using a grounding strap. |
| Alternative Materials | Other materials such as plastic, carbon fiber, and hemp-composite have been suggested as alternatives to fiberglass for fuel tanks. |
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What You'll Learn
- Ethanol fuel and fiberglass: Ethanol can dissolve fiberglass resin, causing fuel system issues
- Sealants: Sealants like Caswell Tank Sealer can be used, but may not work if resin is degraded
- Safety: Fiberglass tanks on motorcycles are illegal in some places due to crash safety concerns
- Static electricity: Fiberglass tanks may need grounding to prevent static electricity issues
- Liners: Fuel tank liners are required in some places, as fiberglass can break and leak
Ethanol fuel and fiberglass: Ethanol can dissolve fiberglass resin, causing fuel system issues
Ethanol is a fuel additive that has been used in gasoline to reduce harmful emissions when running cold engines. However, ethanol has been found to dissolve the resin in fiberglass fuel tanks, causing fuel system issues. This issue has particularly affected the boating industry, with reports of ethanol causing resin in fiberglass tanks to turn into a goo that plugs up the fuel system.
The problem of ethanol dissolving fiberglass resin has been known for several years, with some sources noting that the marine industry has been in denial about it for about a quarter of a century. In recent years, the issue has become more widespread with the switch to ethanol-blended gasolines. This has resulted in major issues for boats with fiberglass tanks, causing leaks and residue buildup that affects fuel systems.
While some sources suggest that certain types of resin, such as vinylester, may be resistant to the effects of ethanol, these resins are reportedly harder to work with and have limited shelf lives. Other solutions proposed include finding gas stations that sell non-ethanol premium gasoline or mixing non-ethanol premium with E10 50/50. Some fuel tank manufacturers have also modified their constructions to handle gasoline with higher levels of ethanol.
It is worth noting that the compatibility of fiberglass fuel tanks with ethanol may depend on various factors, including the age of the tank, the quantity of alcohol in the fuel, and the specific type of resin used. While some tanks may be more resistant than others, it is generally acknowledged that ethanol can dissolve fiberglass resin, leading to potential fuel system issues.
To summarize, the use of ethanol fuel in fiberglass tanks can lead to issues due to the dissolving of fiberglass resin. While there may be ways to mitigate this problem, such as using specific types of resin or finding non-ethanol gasoline, the compatibility of fiberglass with ethanol remains a concern, particularly in the boating industry.
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Sealants: Sealants like Caswell Tank Sealer can be used, but may not work if resin is degraded
Sealants can be used to address the issue of fuel tanks leaking due to the use of ethanol in gasoline. Ethanol can dissolve the resin in fiberglass, causing it to turn into a goo that clogs the fuel system. This has been a significant issue for the boating industry, and some motorcycle owners have expressed concerns about the durability of their fiberglass fuel tanks.
One sealant that is commonly mentioned is Caswell Tank Sealer. However, there are concerns about its effectiveness if the ethanol fuel has already started to break down the fiberglass resins. In such cases, the sealant may not properly adhere to the tank, leading to potential leaks. It is important to ensure that the tank is thoroughly cleaned and prepared before applying any type of sealant.
Some motorcycle owners have opted to use non-ethanol gasoline to mitigate the risk of resin degradation. Finding gas stations that sell 91 or 100 octane non-ethanol premium gasoline is suggested, and websites like pure-gas.org can help locate these stations. Mixing non-ethanol premium with E10 50/50 or using aviation fuel are also suggested as alternatives.
Another option mentioned is to use a different type of resin that is more resistant to ethanol. Vinylester resin is mentioned as an option, but it is noted to be harder to work with, has a strong odour, and a limited shelf life. Additionally, some tanks have an ethanol-safe liner installed, providing an extra layer of protection between the fuel and the fiberglass.
In conclusion, while sealants like Caswell Tank Sealer can be used to address leaks in fiberglass fuel tanks, they may not be effective if the resin has already degraded. Proper fuel selection, the use of ethanol-safe liners, and alternative resins are also considerations for maintaining the integrity of fiberglass fuel tanks in motorcycles.
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Safety: Fiberglass tanks on motorcycles are illegal in some places due to crash safety concerns
The use of fiberglass fuel tanks in motorcycles is a topic of debate among motorcycle enthusiasts, with some highlighting safety concerns that have led to restrictions in certain places. One of the primary concerns is the risk of fire in the event of a crash. In the United States, it is illegal to operate a motorcycle with a fiberglass fuel tank on public roads due to the potential fire hazard it poses during a collision. This regulation is enforced by law enforcement, who can issue citations for non-compliance.
The safety concerns surrounding fiberglass fuel tanks in motorcycles arise from the potential for the fiberglass to shatter and leak during an accident. The leaking fuel could then ignite, resulting in a dangerous fire. This risk is not limited to street use, as race bikes are also subject to similar restrictions. Race organisers often require the use of a bladder inside the fuel tank to contain the fuel and prevent leakage in the event of a crash.
The sealing of fiberglass fuel tanks is another critical factor in ensuring safety. Improper sealing or the use of incompatible sealers can lead to the breakdown of fiberglass resins, compromising the tank's integrity. This can result in fuel leakage, which poses a fire hazard. Additionally, the use of ethanol fuel has been known to dissolve the resin in fiberglass tanks, causing clogging in the fuel system and potentially leading to engine damage. To address this issue, some manufacturers have adopted a new grey coating that has proven effective in long-term testing.
While some riders opt for alternative materials such as steel or plastic fuel tanks, others explore methods to enhance the safety of fiberglass tanks. One suggestion is to install a grounding strap from the tank to the motorcycle's frame or the negative terminal of the battery, reducing the risk of static electricity igniting the fuel. Another approach involves utilising a fuel cell with a fiberglass cover, which offers the desired aesthetic without compromising safety. These solutions allow riders to customise their motorcycles while adhering to safety regulations.
It is important to note that regulations and restrictions regarding fiberglass fuel tanks may vary by region, and riders should consult local laws and safety standards before modifying their motorcycles. While fiberglass tanks can provide a unique appearance and customisation options, ensuring rider safety and compliance with legal requirements is of utmost importance.
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Static electricity: Fiberglass tanks may need grounding to prevent static electricity issues
Static electricity is a concern with fiberglass fuel tanks. This is because static electricity can be generated when gasoline rubs against an insulator, and gasoline can be ignited by a static discharge. Therefore, it is important to prevent static electricity buildup in fiberglass fuel tanks to avoid the risk of ignition.
One way to address this issue is to ensure that the fiberglass fuel tank is properly grounded. Most fuel tanks are grounded in some way, such as through a bolt or similar mechanism. If you are concerned about static electricity buildup, you can run a grounding strap from the tank to either the frame of the motorcycle or the negative terminal on the battery. This will provide a path for any static electricity to discharge safely, reducing the risk of ignition.
It is worth noting that race bikes are not allowed to run fiberglass fuel tanks without using a bladder due to their crash durability. However, with proper grounding and safety measures, static electricity is typically not a problem under normal circumstances.
Additionally, it is important to consider the type of fuel used in fiberglass fuel tanks. Ethanol fuel can break down fiberglass resins, leading to issues with the durability of the tank and its seals. Non-ethanol premium fuel or a mixture of E10 50/50 with non-ethanol premium or aviation fuel is recommended to prevent issues with ethanol breakdown.
By taking these precautions and using the appropriate fuel, you can help ensure the safe use of a fiberglass fuel tank on a motorcycle while mitigating the risks associated with static electricity.
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Liners: Fuel tank liners are required in some places, as fiberglass can break and leak
Fuel tank liners are required in some places, as without them, a fiberglass tank can break and leak. In the US, it is illegal to run a fibreglass tank on the street due to the fire risk in the event of a crash.
Some sources suggest that sealants such as Caswell Tank Sealer can be used to prevent leaks, but others have found that sealants do not work on fibreglass tanks. One user reported that they had their tank repaired by a boatbuilder, who cut out the bottom of the tank and layered it with marine fuel tank glass fibre, and that the repair lasted four years without dissolving.
Another user reported that they had success with a new grey coating that worked perfectly in a long-term soaking test with fiberglass. However, other users have reported issues with ethanol fuel dissolving the resin in fibreglass tanks, turning it into a goo that plugs up the fuel system. One type of resin that can resist the effects of alcohol is vinylester, but it is harder to work with, has a strong smell, and a limited shelf life.
To avoid issues with ethanol fuel, some users recommend finding gas stations that sell 91 or 100 octane non-ethanol premium fuel or mixing E10 50/50 with non-ethanol premium or aviation fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
Motorcycle fuel tanks are typically made of metal, plastic, fiberglass, or carbon fiber.
Fiberglass fuel tanks are cheaper than metal tanks and can be customized.
Fiberglass can break and leak, and some places require a bag on the inside of the tank for this reason. Additionally, the resins used in fiberglass tanks can break down due to ethanol in the fuel, causing the tank to turn into a goo that plugs up the fuel system.
One way to prevent the tank from breaking down is to use a resin called vinylester, which resists the effects of alcohol. You can also seal the tank with a product like the Gold Standard, or use a coating like the gray coating used by Phil Little Racing.
