Alcohol/aluminum compatibilty?

[cobrarkc]

I am having a gas tank made up for me by a member of this forum (Mickmate) Nick Acton. Right now gas contains 10% methanol but who knows in the future what it will be, maybe it will all be E85. I only want to do this once and do it right. Is an aluminum tank going to hold up with alcohol?

[RedBarchetta]

Low doses of alcohol (~10%) will not have a concerning effect on aluminum. The E85 probably would, but if you have to run that then you need to convert your EFI/carburation to handle an alcohol (methonal) concentrated fuel. Anodizing aluminum surfaces has the affect of slowing down/stopping any decaying effects that alcohol has on it. It can be an expensive process though, especially for the entire interior of a fuel cell/tank.

-Dean

[strictlypersonl]

Use a 5052 alloy for the tank. It's about the best of the common alloys for corrosion resistance (it's also known as "Marine-grade aluminum"). We've been using it in our tanks for almost 30 years without a problem.

[mickmate]

Thanks Bob that's what I use. The last tank I pulled concerned me as it looked like a layer of corn syrup on the bottom. Part of the problems we're going to see more of with vehicles that sit I assume. I'm hearing recommendations for using Stabil or similar products all the time to stop separation. My hot rod buddies are having a tough time with the float bowls on Holleys getting eaten out on the insides.