plastic fuel tank

[Got Fish??]

My boat mechanic tells me that  i need a new  feul tank, because of the mixtures in gas has changed. The fuels now are vary corrosive to my lines, seels and the tank itself. Is this true.

[Waterfoul]

Some of it is true, yes.  Is your tank "onboard" or an orange can you can remove to fill?   The ethanol in todays gas will eventually eat the older fuel lines and can cause engine damage over time.  As for the tank, if it is polyethelene you are fine... they still make tanks out of it with no issues.  Replacing the fuel lines might not be a bad idea though.

[Lightningboy]

First, what brand/year boat and motor?  Portable or built in tank?

If it's an old style metal portable tank, moving to a modern plastic one isn't a bad idea, as the old metal ones do corrode over time. 

Also, some built in fiberglass tanks made prior to 1991 may have resins leach out of the glass when ethanol containing fuels are used.  If you have a built in 'glass tank, contact the boat manufacturer about ethanol compatibility. 

Fuel lines should be replaced with modern ethanol approved lines.  The lining of older lines will deteriorate and flake, possibly clogging the fuel system in the motor.  For Mercury motors, you need the gray line with with blue printing.

[Got Fish??]

Thank you for the info. My tank is orange and I can remove it. I have been using a fuel additive. But I will replace the fuel line and primerball. My engine is an 86.