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?
When it comes to fuel, use the SAFEST material, not the cheapest - it will be less costly in the long run.
| Quote: |
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
mmm, interesting. be a bit different than making a home made tank from pipe though
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
| Quote: |
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 
| Quote: |
| Originally
posted by Inane Cathode 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 |
| Quote: |
| Originally
posted by Inane Cathode 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 |
PVC surge tank
Here's a link. I'm going for it.
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...
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....