gas tank

[lonsutt]

Will the use of Ethanol cause a plastic tank to deteriorate? I live in south Florida (hot and humid) my boat is 1998 center console. The tank is located below deck under the console. (unable to replace tank) I used ethanol gas for years with no problems then a couple years ago I didn't use the boat at all. Last year I discovered the gas had pretty much turned to water. I pumped the old gas out then several times I put in new gas with cleaner mixture. I kept doing this until the new gas appeared clear, I am now using non-ethanol gas. After running the boat for a few days the screen in the pickup tube becomes plugged and I have to switch to a portable tank. I pumped some gas into a clear container and it looks clear but after setting for awhile there will be a fine sediment settle to the bottom. Any ideas?

Thanks

[boats.net]

Ethanol wont damage poly tanks but will damage fibergl*** tanks, It is a strong solvent and will clean any sediment off inside of tank.

[scarab1967]

fuel tank

I think you've past the worse point that is pumping out the old fuel, that settling material can even come in with new fuel, it accumulates over the years and because you're cleaning and pumping out you just happen to catch it and see it, we all have small amounts of residues inside the fuel tanks. I'm replacing the rear tank on my scarab and you should see how much junk I've pulled out and my boat it's 12 years old. I change my water sep's and engine fuel filters yearly, even if I don't use it much in a season.
Here in Bradenton there are a couple of companies that come to your boat, withdraw, filter and return fuel back to the tank, I've got a friend who made a filtration set up with a fuel pump, a fuel filter and couple of hoses, he has done it recirculate/filter to a couple people and seems to work, just have to be extremely careful working with gas.
Good luck