fiberglass fuel tank

Fiberglass diesel tanks are not a good idea. It is extremely dificult to
eliminate 100% of the pinholes and diesel will migrate along the fibers much
more easily than water. I would get a quote for new aluminum tanks. I just
received mine from Ezell in Perry FL and could't be happier. Two 42 gallon
tanks with rather complex shapes to use up some awkward shaped space with
anti-syphon fittings and level transducers for $800 including shipping. The
construction was excellent. Just finished bead blasting and priming them so
I am intimately familiar with all the welds.
--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.rutuonline.com" target="_blank">http://www.rutuonline.com</a>
Shameless Commercial Division: <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.spade-anchor-us.com" target="_blank">http://www.spade-anchor-us.com</a>

"Bruce on horizon" <svhorizon.DeleteThis@xxxbellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:Vibod.14227$fY.9199@bignews3.bellsouth.net...
 > I have a 43' endeavour with old leaky aluminum tanks that I need to
replace.
 > Is it possible to build a fuel tank (diesel) that will not deteroiate from
 > the fuel. Also water...is there a problem with fiberglass water tanks?
 > Thanks in advance
 >
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: fiberglass fuel tank 

I built a 30 gallon gasoline tank that worked pretty well. I used polyester
and since then I have heard there is a preference for polyester over epoxy
or vice versa for diesel, but I can't remember which is supposed to work
better for diesel.
I, like Glenn, had some tanks built by EZell. Ezell does a really nice job.
There is also RDS also in Perry FL. ( also a good tank builder)
But if you just want to try a frp tank, build a female mold that will define
the bottom and sides .This can be MDF. Be sure to have big fillets in all
corners because that is where you can be prone to have lamination and
leakage problems.Build the top, a flat sheet, on a release surface. Then fit
the top to the molded part. Also think resin rich, you are not building for
maximum laminate strength but for leakage. Several coats of pure resin on
the inside before you close it up. It is the resin that provides the barrier
for leakage, not the glass.
Anyway it might be a fun thing to try, but.....
--
Ron White
Boat building web address is
www.concentric.net/~knotreel
 >> Stay informed about: fiberglass fuel tank 

If you really have to make an FRP tank it is MUCH easier to do it with a
male mold. The important surface is the inside and male molds are easier to
polish to a good finish. It is very hard to get the corners laid tight
inside a female mold and that it where it will leak first. By mounting the
mold on a piece of Melamine you can also build up a good flat flange around
the opening so that it seals to the top better. I built my polyester grey
water tank and shower sumps this way and they came out darned near perfect.
Still don't think I would trust them with anything flamable though.

At a minimum I would use an isophalic or vinylester resin for the best
durability. Here is a good article from the Practical Sailor archive about
FRP tanks:
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.practical-sailor.com/newspics/charts/8912byofiberglasstanks.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.practical-sailor.com/newspics/charts/8912byofiberglasstanks.pdf</a>

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.rutuonline.com" target="_blank">http://www.rutuonline.com</a>
Shameless Commercial Division: <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.spade-anchor-us.com" target="_blank">http://www.spade-anchor-us.com</a>

"Ron White" <knotreel(no-spam)@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:mfmod.44166$IQ.5202@bignews6.bellsouth.net...
 > I built a 30 gallon gasoline tank that worked pretty well. I used
polyester
 > and since then I have heard there is a preference for polyester over epoxy
 > or vice versa for diesel, but I can't remember which is supposed to work
 > better for diesel.
 > I, like Glenn, had some tanks built by EZell. Ezell does a really nice
job.
 > There is also RDS also in Perry FL. ( also a good tank builder)
 > But if you just want to try a frp tank, build a female mold that will
define
 > the bottom and sides .This can be MDF. Be sure to have big fillets in all
 > corners because that is where you can be prone to have lamination and
 > leakage problems.Build the top, a flat sheet, on a release surface. Then
fit
 > the top to the molded part. Also think resin rich, you are not building
for
 > maximum laminate strength but for leakage. Several coats of pure resin on
 > the inside before you close it up. It is the resin that provides the
barrier
 > for leakage, not the glass.
 > Anyway it might be a fun thing to try, but.....
 > --
 > Ron White
 > Boat building web address is
<font color=purple> > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.concentric.net/~knotreel</font" target="_blank">www.concentric.net/~knotreel</font</a>>
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: fiberglass fuel tank 

"Bruce on horizon" writes:

 > Is it possible to build a fuel tank (diesel) that will not deteroiate from
 > the fuel. Also water...is there a problem with fiberglass water tanks?

SFWIW.

I have built all my tanks, diesel, potable water and hydraulic oil the same
way.

Epoxy and knitted glass followed by two (2) coats of epoxy tank resin. (A
white coat followed by a blue coat).

Waste tank was done the same way, only coal tar based tank resin was used to
coat the interior.

YMMV.

Lew<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: fiberglass fuel tank 

"Lew Hodgett" <lewnospamhodgett DeleteThis @earthlink.net> wrote in message news:<FVrod.1394$NU3.554@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net>...
 > "Bruce on horizon" writes:
 >
  > > Is it possible to build a fuel tank (diesel) that will not deteroiate from
  > > the fuel. Also water...is there a problem with fiberglass water tanks?
 >

I built two nine-gallon gasoline tanks using plywood boxes made
in the right shape, and fiberglassed (with polyester resin) the
insides. The glass/resin came up over all the walls and over the top
lip, which was 3/4" x 3/4" spruce all the way around. The top was
another piece of ply with the inlet, vent and outlet fittings brazed
to steel plates and screwed to it, coated with the glass on the entire
inside surface (including over the steel fitting plates) and laid onto
the still-wet stuff on the lip and screwed down. Never leaked a drop.
Strong, too. This was glass mat I used; cheaper and forms around
corners better. No need for cloth if the wood takes the abuse.

Dan<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: fiberglass fuel tank 

How do you manifold 4 tanks in a small space?
Your pickups need to be on top of the tank.
Where is the manifold located?

"Jim" <Jim.TakeThisOut@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:0Jbod.863$NU3.779@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
 >
 >
 > Bruce on horizon wrote:
  >> I have a 43' endeavour with old leaky aluminum tanks that I need to
  >> replace. Is it possible to build a fuel tank (diesel) that will not
  >> deteroiate from the fuel. Also water...is there a problem with
  >> fiberglass water tanks?
  >> Thanks in advance
  >>
  >>
  >>
 > I was up against replacing the tanks in my trawler a couple of years ago.
 > I did a lot of research, and read all the discussions, but the advice I
 > decided to follow was given to me by an old guy who has been replacing
 > tanks for years.
 >
 > His advise:
 > Modular aluminum fuel tanks, connected to together by a manifold. You put
 > the new ones in through the existing openings. That way you can replace
 > them if ever needed. I replaced two 150 gallon tanks with four 50 gallon
 > tanks, and a lot of extra space. I can add more if I ever need the
 > capacity.
 >
 > Have the tanks made by a company that has a track record of making
 > aluminum fuel tanks. If done properly, aluminum tanks seem to be the best
 > material, for a bunch of reasons.
 >
 > Plastic for water tanks.
 >
 > I followed his advice and am very happy with the results.
 >
 > I also spent a lot less money that I hear others spend for the same
 > project.
 >
 > My opinion
 > Jim
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: fiberglass fuel tank