2002 Gulfstream Reserve Tank

[njfatboy]

Hello:

I have a 2002 GW Gulfstream with a main and reserve tank. I finally decided to keep the reserve tank empty, unless I run offshore. I have had a problem this year with ethanol- phase separation. In any event, I decided to carry less fuel...figure that less weight is OK too.

My question is, once I siphon out any remaining fuel, then pump out whatever is left from the opening for the sending unit, is there an additive that can put put into the empty tank to prevent any corrosion or other problems with the aluminum? I assume this tank may stay empty for awhile, maybe all next season and through the winter... I don't want to use something that might break down over time... and cause another problem!


Advise is greatly appreciated. I am a member at the Hull Truth as well, but it's a rough crowd over there!

Thanks!

Randy O.

 

[richie rich]

Randy, once you empty the tank, an additive will do nothing for you....they only work when mixed with gas and filled in your tank. Since there will be no gas vapors in the tank to displace air, there's really nothing in there to stop the aluminum from doing its thing, ie, creating a protective coating called oxidation.....in time, it will corrode.....but if you use it once in a while and fully fill it, filter it, and use it completeley, you should be OK in the long run...if you leave it completely dry, it may last a long time as well.....but nothing lasts forever.

 

[NIGHTIDES]

You might want to keep the tank full and treat it with Stabil which will keep the gas and the tank good for up to 2 years..

 

[striped bass]

Another option is to put an additive in your gas and run it down to empty but leave the residual gas in your lines with the additive for protection. I also have the 55 gallon reserve tank and I leave it empty periodically during the season for a week or two with no adverse effects.

 

[gradyfish22]

Leaving it 100% empty should be fine, but that means 100%, 95 or 97% will result in a break down and water formation in that remaining fuel and will give you issues whenever you do refuel. Your best bet is to fill the tank with maybe 20-30 gal each fill up, and treat it, then burn it off right away, that way no fuel sits long but you do use the tank once a month or so, it takes roughly 3 months in most cases for any real break down to occur. For winter storage being full is best, 100% empty is just as good but harder to achieve, leaving some gas will result in issues. I have 2 tanks and I tend to use my main most of the time. When I fuel up, I put in gas for 2 trips into my aux, and then use that tank right away to improve my efficiency as it burns off. It will be ok sitting a month until my next fill up, although its usually less time, but at most a month. If you do this you should be safe, this is the only sure fire way to prevent problems other then having it bone dry, a small puddle of fuel will cause problems down the road. Add stabil to the tank and your treated and ok.