Is fiberglass tank safe with ethanol free fuel? (2015)

joshtjeerdsma · Oct 14, 2015

I just purchased a 1972 roadster with a fiberglass tank. The tank has been recently painted and doesn't show any signs of bubbling or leaks. There is 91 octane that is ethanol free where I am located. What are the chances this tank would be trouble free with ethanol free gas. New norton owner, a few paranoid questions. Thanks for your help.

Craig · Oct 15, 2015

I have similar bike .... '72 Roadster serial # 207 xxx ... anyway I am still running original bearings and using original fiberglass tank .... the bike is true low mileage ( I am 3rd owner in small town and confirmed history ).... I have had no issues with either component .... the tank is lined... I don't ride it like I stole it .... I ride it like it's 43 years old .... I have done most of the upgrade/mods and it is a pleasure to ride .... its fast, stops well, handles okay and sounds great ... we have ethanol free high test here and that's what is used ... no problems
Craig

joshtjeerdsma · Oct 15, 2015

Thanks for setting me at ease Craig. Ill just install the EI and fix the oil leaks then enjoy it.

DogT · Oct 15, 2015

I've had avgas in my 69 fiberglass tank since about 2010 and no problems. I store some in it over the winter too.

ILLF8ED · Oct 15, 2015

Bowtoy70 said:
I just purchased a 1972 roadster with a fiberglass tank. The tank has been recently painted and doesn't show any signs of bubbling or leaks. There is 91 octane that is ethanol free where I am located. What are the chances this tank would be trouble free with ethanol free gas.

chances of not having problems putting ethanol fuel in a fiberglass tank = zero. You will have problems. Over many years of struggling with the fuel available and my '72's original fiberglass tank, I thought I could make it work and in fact I prefer the look of it. Finally had to give in to a steel tank when the little blisters showed up everywhere on the outside surface. Ken Armann had put his super carcinogenic purple liner crap in and that eventually also failed. You can probably get a coating to cover everything if you cut the tank open coat it and re-glue, but what a hassle and expect to eventually loose the battle anyway.

zotz · Oct 15, 2015

Bowtoy70 said:
There is 91 octane that is ethanol free where I am located.

At least get it lined but I would look for a steel tank. Ethanol ate my fiberglass tank. Besides, how can you guarantee you're always going to be somewhere where you can get 91 octane ethanol free gas?

Craig · Oct 15, 2015

We have at least two Oil/Fuel retailers here in Nova Scotia that have not even upgraded their equipment to handle ethanol fuels yet... so if you are careful it does not have to be an issue .... key word careful .... Commando tank is not very spacious ... I always top up at home .... limits distance but ... truth is my Commando is ridden occasionally on quiet days ... one reason for low miles ... and few troubles
Craig

MikeM · Oct 15, 2015

I have a 71 and a glass tank. Non ethanol fuel is not available in my area. Its a pain, but I drain my tank EVERY time I ride it. So far no issues but I am in the market for a steel tank.
Its on my list with a load of other stuff.
Wish I could get straight gasoline.

Torontonian · Oct 15, 2015

Mike you are in Chicago and Americans can get pretty much whatever they de$ire. Try Shell or Esso Premium.

Danno · Apr 18, 2018

Torontonian said:
Mike you are in Chicago and Americans can get pretty much whatever they de$ire. Try Shell or Esso Premium.

Non-ethanol fuel is not sold in large cities to my knowledge. A friend has been bringing me 5 gallons of no-eth whenever I need it so I can test the Titanic with my '71 Roadster tank. As soon as the steel tank is finished, the 'glas tank is going back on the shelf.

ewgoforth · Apr 18, 2018

Surprisingly, I didn't see any ethanol free gas in Chicago, but you might be able to find some in a suburb: https://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=IL

Mr. Rick · Apr 20, 2018

Here's a weird coincidence: The second closest place to me on that map was a tiny airport in Grass Valley, CA. I have a pal near there, was considering asking him to get me some of the good juice, and this morning there's a story in the paper about how the place burned down! One guy dead, place demolished.
Guess I'll be staying with the crappy E10...

Fast Eddie · Apr 21, 2018

Hope the dead guy isn’t your pal !

Woody850 · Apr 21, 2018

When I bought my Roadster last year in the ad. It was fitted with a glass tank, the pictures showed it to be alright (clever photography). Fortunatly I told the seller we had a deal so long he supplied a steel tank.
When the bike and bits were delivered I was so relieved as the filler cap was about to divorce itself from the tank and around the filler was a mighty blister under the paintwork.

Is fiberglass tank safe with ethanol free fuel? (2015)

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