Re: Fuel

Posted by 54clipper On 2012/5/4 8:09:34

OK - another 2 cents. I don't really disagree with what has been said here - but I will relay my own experience.

I have a '54 Packard with the original tank and fuel line up to the fuel pump. The tank has never been off. The float isn't working - but that problem existed long before I got it, and probably before the use of newer fuels.

Anyway - I have been using the Packard after many years of very little use. (only 25K original miles). I use 87 octane fuel with the standard amount of ethanol and no additives. I have had no problems whatsoever. I have put roughly 1500 miles on the car this way, which is quite a few gallons run through it.

Now - separately - I have restored quite a few motorcycles - and seen many, many problems with all kinds of tank coatings. The problems fall into two categories, a coating that cannot withstand ethanol fuel or a coating that improperly applied - usually the tank was not perfectly clean or rust free inside.

The coatings break down, sometimes in little chunks - and clog your filters and carb jets. It is a major problem.

I have seen problems with the red coating that radiator shops use, and with the old Kreme product, and newer epoxies. (The epoxies usually is a bonding problem)

For these reasons, I will not coat a tank unless it is absolutely necessary.

Wesley, It would be my assumption that there is a problem with the coating that was applied to your tank. The broken down coating is now wreaking havoc on the engine and fuel system. - Of course I'm not there to see it, nor the expert, but based on my experience - it is likely,