Surge tank material

33 posts · joined Jan 2010 · 10 Dec 2010, 3:28 am

#816351

I've noticed in a few projects that some people have used aluminum or stainless steel for their surge tanks. One car I found yesterday used PVC. Are there any long term effects of using PVC with gasoline?

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 · 10 Dec 2010, 5:49 am

#816354

When it comes to fuel, use the SAFEST material, not the cheapest - it will be less costly in the long run.

I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

pete wood 23 Windows of Awesome

6,828 posts · joined Jan 2004 · 10 Dec 2010, 8:09 am

#816363

Pickpocket wrote:I've noticed in a few projects that some people have used aluminum or stainless steel for their surge tanks. One car I found yesterday used PVC. Are there any long term effects of using PVC with gasoline?

🤪

umm, don't go there. I think you'll find steel is cheaper... and safer. that's what mine is made from.

"stoopid is stronger than axles"
http://drivingnotpolishing.blogspot.com.au/

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 10 Dec 2010, 11:04 am

#816367

Most fuel tanks are made from PVC these days

as they can blow form them into any shape to fit perculiar place on the car

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

pete wood 23 Windows of Awesome

6,828 posts · joined Jan 2004 · 10 Dec 2010, 2:25 pm

#816397

mmm, interesting. be a bit different than making a home made tank from pipe though

"stoopid is stronger than axles"
http://drivingnotpolishing.blogspot.com.au/

Adsman Officially Full-On Dubber

393 posts · joined Jan 2007 · 11 Dec 2010, 12:34 am

#816470

plastics and fuels inc. methanols, ethanols, other additives as well may not necessarly agree. Joints/welds more prone to damage than metal. Plastics do have a UV and chemical exposure life and are vary greatly. Also be aware the aluminium can react with some fuel additives and steel is prone to rusting and blocking. If its on a road car running pump gas then aluminium, stainless or steel is fine. Honestly you can get one made or buy one off ebay for under $100 so not worth the effort. IMHO

What my garage isn't messy........Well chaos is a form of order isn't it?

Pickpocket Casual Dubber

33 posts · joined Jan 2010 · 11 Dec 2010, 4:14 am

#816475

vw54 wrote:Most fuel tanks are made from PVC these days

as they can blow form them into any shape to fit perculiar place on the car

You did bring up an interesting point there. My 1987 Porsche and my 1996 Chevrolet both have plastic gas tanks. No leaks, no problems. My steel tank in my Superbeetle on the other hand.....not so good.

Inane Cathode Casual Dubber

48 posts · joined Nov 2009 · 11 Dec 2010, 4:58 pm

#816543

I have a pvc surge tank (glued as well) in my beetle. It's been working fine for well over 10,000 miles. Our fuel here has 10% ethanol in it, and i've run some VERY nasty cleaners through teh fuel system without even a hint of a leak. I'd say it gets the thumbs up from me 🙂

Pickpocket Casual Dubber

33 posts · joined Jan 2010 · 14 Dec 2010, 2:52 am

#816833

Inane Cathode wrote:I have a pvc surge tank (glued as well) in my beetle. It's been working fine for well over 10,000 miles. Our fuel here has 10% ethanol in it, and i've run some VERY nasty cleaners through teh fuel system without even a hint of a leak. I'd say it gets the thumbs up from me 🙂

I believe yours was the one I saw with the PVC surge tank. But it wasn't on this site.

pete wood 23 Windows of Awesome

6,828 posts · joined Jan 2004 · 14 Dec 2010, 1:40 pm

#816874

Inane Cathode wrote:I have a pvc surge tank (glued as well) in my beetle. It's been working fine for well over 10,000 miles. Our fuel here has 10% ethanol in it, and i've run some VERY nasty cleaners through teh fuel system without even a hint of a leak. I'd say it gets the thumbs up from me 🙂

pics pls

"stoopid is stronger than axles"
http://drivingnotpolishing.blogspot.com.au/

Pickpocket Casual Dubber

33 posts · joined Jan 2010 · 15 Dec 2010, 2:18 am

#816961

PVC surge tank

Here's a link. I'm going for it.

GeorgeL Officially Full-On Dubber

231 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 22 Dec 2010, 1:33 pm

#817958

Here's a reference chart for various materials and chemicals:

http://www.jenseninert.com/chemical-resistance.htm

Fuel tanks are made of rigid HDPE, not PVC

According to the chart, both HDPE and PVC rate a "Good" resistance.

Looks like PVC should work OK.

I'd still probably get a jam jar and drop a piece of PVC into it for a long term test, just out of curiosity.

This of course, leads to the question of if PVC is a suitable material for cooling system plumbing and reservoirs... 🙂

Pickpocket Casual Dubber

33 posts · joined Jan 2010 · 23 Dec 2010, 5:15 am

#818063

And you know what George, I already had that question before I found the PVC surge tank. My plan is to lay out my cooling lines under the car in PVC pipes and once I have it all mocked up where I want it, take that to a shop and get it welded up or whatever in steel. But then I wondered if PVC would be a suitable material for the cooling system. PVC is used for hot water applications all the time, and we know it can handle a decent amount of pressure. It doesn't snow where I live so I'm not worried about extreme temperature changes. I don't drive on dirt roads so rocks and debris isn't a big concern either. Hmmm. I guess there is only one way to really figure this out....