Fuel tanks

[Lex_Ordo]

Anyone know what the H3 Fueltank is made out off?

Polymer, fiberglass, metal?

With the E-10 gasoline approved by the EPA, there is an issue present that will become more crucial as the Ethanol level is increased. Ie; E-70

Fiberglass is broken down by ethanol, so we don't want these tanks.

There is a marine fuel additive called Star Brite Brand, Startron Fuel Enzyme Treatment, that is used to keep water that may become mixed into the fuel tank from seperating the ethanol.
Apparantly, water when mixed into E-10 gasoline, will seperate the etanol from the gasoline and cause it to sink to the bottom of the tank along with the water as a seperate level; Hence being pulled into the fuel line and cause major problems with the ignition system. Not to mention the gasoline stays on top preventing the motor from getting the good stuff so to speak.

I read this and was told it by a mechanic too, but have no experience or authority on it.

I was curious as to anyones thoughts or experience with this as the Startron, is an enzyme that may also effect the integrity of the tank.

[Wisha Haddan H3]

Never heard about Startron, but you're right about water in your gas tank. It can pull the ethanol out of the gas.

Starting in the late fall and through the winter, I occasionally run an injector cleaner through my trucks that purges water. There are several good brands like STP, Gumout, but they don't all purge water from your tank so check the label.

[f5fstop]

You start running E70, or anything over 15 percent, and you have bigger problems than a fuel tank. Those vehicles that are approved for E85 have not only different fuel tanks, they have different lines, cylinder heads and all parts, pistons, etc., are hardened against the corrosive affects of ethanol, as well as the higher heat produced.
So I would recommend you burn what is approved for the vehicle; if not, you will cause engine damage that will not be under warranty.

[Lex_Ordo]

Agreed about the problems that will come from higher ethanol levels, but what about the tank composition?
Anyone know what the H3's tank is made out of?

[f5fstop]

High-density polyethylene, metal tanks have not been used for years; fiberglass is not practical.

Metal tanks in an accident used to break at welds joints, allowing fuel to leak out. Plastic tanks can take quite a hit before they break; thus less likely to leak fuel. In addition, if there is any moisture inside a metal tank, it will eventually start to rust, allowing rust deposits to plug the fuel filter, plastic tanks can't rust. (One of the many reasons why fuel filters do not need replacements today, like they used to years ago.)

[DURAMAX TIM]

You start running E70, or anything over 15 percent

E70 is 70% ethanol and E15 is 15% ethanol, quite a range difference.

f5, what is the H3 rated to run?

My manual is at home.

[Lex_Ordo]

I believe like all Gm vehicles, they will run with the EPA limits. E-10, 10% Ethanol.
My wife's Envoy, had some O2 Sensor problems and the fuel in her tank was measuring 16%. Dealer told me that Gas may be the issue. I asked them to Re-program the Computer with more of a Variable limit.

The answer was, it can't be done. Mixture is calculated by the Engineers at the design level of the motor, and are calculated based on what the EPA sets as the Nationwide standard. A curve is built into the Equation but cannot be altered unless the designers recalculate and the update is approved by the EPA. It all has to do with the Mixture, and how the engine burns it.
Emmisions Inspections.
???
Sounds like a good answer!

[deserth3]

This is found on page 5-6 of the owners manual.

Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may be available in
your area. General Motors recommends that you use
these gasolines if they comply with the specifications
described earlier. However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other
fuels containing more than 10% ethanol must not be used
in vehicles that were not designed for those fuels.

[Linus Gump]

It is required by law to denote when and how much ethanol is in your fuel. There will be a sticker somewhere on the pump in plain view informing you of this, if there is ethanol blended fuels sold at that station. Just buy where it is 10% or less and you will be fine. Try to avoid it all together if you can, though.

[f5fstop]

I thought 15 percent, but it appears I was wrong; do what the owner's manual states. (Personally, I avoid any ethanol...period.)

[RazM]

I thought 15 percent, but it appears I was wrong; do what the owner's manual states. (Personally, I avoid any ethanol...period.)
Why do you avoid ethanol?