8 replies to this topic

[harvey_mushman]

Hello all,
I've got a '77 Bultaco Sherpa T 350. It has a fiberglass tank. I'm concerned with putting ethanol-based gasoline in the tank. I've been told by several people and read that the ethanol dissolves the fiberglass resin causing the tank to weep fuel over time. I've also read online regarding concerns about its solvents. As far as I am able to research, all Ontario pump gas contains at least 10 % ethanol by law.

I've got several takes on preventing this but was hoping to gage your opinions on the subject.

1. Tank was "sealed" by previous owner using an unknown chemical. The "Kreem" tank sealer website states that it may not be compatible with some fiberglass tanks. Any suggestions on an appropriate sealer or treatment technique?

2. My local MX performance shop sells race fuel. The fuel contains no ethanol. It is also lead-based. The trade off is that the fuel is over $100 taxes in for a 20L pail ($5/L). I plan on riding as frequently as possible, maybe 1 to 2 weeks a month. This route could get very expensive.

3. I'm 2-1/2 hours from the Buffalo border. A cross border fuel run is not out of question but really inconvenient. Plus I am not certain on what type of fuel is available across the border anyway.

I appreciate any opinions you may have.
Matt

[borus]

Hi Matt

I treated my Ossa tank to Caswells this winter, click me - the tip came from another thread on this site. I beleive Shell premium has no ethonal but i could be wrong on that. I'm near Cambridge ON.

cheers
bob

[bkrgi]

As Bob stated use Shell premium (try and find a dedicated pump or put the first few liters into your car before filling the jerry can)
Esso premium is my first choice.
Avoid all Sunoco fuels same with Pioneer stations.
Blends with ethanol are suppose to be posted on the pump as such but???? Shell and Esso your good with the 91 premium
Beyond that race gas

[axulsuv]

Or you can find a local small airport and buy ave. gas ... Leaded , no ethanol , high octane rating , and you can store it almost indefinitely ...
More expensive than pump premium , but cheaper than race fuel .
Works great for me !
Glenn

[huntmaster]

I've used the Caswell sealer with good results.
Just to be safe...don't leave fuel in a fibreglass tank when the bike is not in use.

Doug

[harvey_mushman]

Thanks for the reply guys. I went to check out the Shell we have a couple blocks away only to find it closed and underconstruction.

I try to never leave fuel in the tanks of my non-road-going bikes just to avoid any possible issue with the fuel going bad or leaking between uses.

Thanks for the input,
Matt

[KevinE]

You might also try a marina - the problem is also in the marine industry and many marinas sell ethanol free gas.

Kevin

[legionnair]

All marked 91 octane is ethanol free because its used for farm applications so it has to be stable for much longer. I use it in my gas gas with an octane booster and stabilizer and my bike loves it and so does my wallet.

Dustin

[Steve Fracy]

Shell is the only recommended gas to use out west here, not sure about other areas.