Fuel Cell Questions and Discussion

empera

empera

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Mar 30, 2005
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not sure if this is the right section so if not please move.

So i plan on running a plastic 16gal fuel cell from summit, already have it along with the hardware. Just have a few questions for you guys to make sure everything is right.
First does it need to be mounted in the exact middle? i would think so but it might be tough
2. Do i need to have a wall between me and the cell, since i dun have backseats, should i weld on a sheet metal wall or does it have to be a sealed off section?
3. Most important question, i think for me, the cap is vented, could i tap the hole for vent and use a 1/8 or 1/4 npt Barbed fitting to run a vent line outside the car? Or should i be tapping the cell and installing a AN fitting and run a vent that way?


I'm sure there will be a few more questions but those are probably the most important for now.
 
S

SySt

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If the cell is mounted inside the passenger compartment you do need a metal "firewall" separating the cell from the rest of the cabin. I am pretty sure for most racing organizations that plastic cell will not me legal. I do not know of any rule declaring the placement of the cell as far as being in the middle or offset to one side. However, if you offset it you will change the weight distribution of the car, especially on a full tank. If the cap is vented you probably want to get a non-vented cap and run a vent from the cell some other way, like using an AN fitting like you mentioned.

Are you replacing the OEM tank with this cell? What is your purpose for installing this cell?
 
empera

empera

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SySt;1246896 said:
If the cell is mounted inside the passenger compartment you do need a metal "firewall" separating the cell from the rest of the cabin. I am pretty sure for most racing organizations that plastic cell will not me legal. I do not know of any rule declaring the placement of the cell as far as being in the middle or offset to one side. However, if you offset it you will change the weight distribution of the car, especially on a full tank. If the cap is vented you probably want to get a non-vented cap and run a vent from the cell some other way, like using an AN fitting like you mentioned.

Are you replacing the OEM tank with this cell? What is your purpose for installing this cell?
Click to expand...

uhhh....yes i am replacing the stock tank...obviously. What do you mean by wat purpose....to have fuel...heh

Wanted to know if i can get away with running a barb fitting and hose from the cap...obviously i dont want to vent inside the cabin.

and ok i will weld on a plate to separate the cell.
 
S

SySt

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After reading about the fuel cells from Summit Racing, I believe you can not just tap the cap and run a hose off of that to vent. You are better off tapping the fuel cell. Be sure to use some sort of tip over valve.

I asked what your purpose of using the cell was because if you were installing it to fit into a racing class then as I said, plastic will not work for you. Also, if you are installing the cell in the same location as the OEM tank then you will want to take care with heat coming from the exhaust system.

As I recall IJ installed an LP tank along with his OEM tank. Also, many people run auxiliary tanks for various purposes. Maybe you wanted a pump gas tank and a race gas tank. Or maybe you simply wanted to increase your fuel capacity.
 
empera

empera

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SySt;1247316 said:
After reading about the fuel cells from Summit Racing, I believe you can not just tap the cap and run a hose off of that to vent. You are better off tapping the fuel cell. Be sure to use some sort of tip over valve.

I asked what your purpose of using the cell was because if you were installing it to fit into a racing class then as I said, plastic will not work for you. Also, if you are installing the cell in the same location as the OEM tank then you will want to take care with heat coming from the exhaust system.

As I recall IJ installed an LP tank along with his OEM tank. Also, many people run auxiliary tanks for various purposes. Maybe you wanted a pump gas tank and a race gas tank. Or maybe you simply wanted to increase your fuel capacity.
Click to expand...

ah ok makes sense. Understood now, i guess i could tap the cell itself and have a valve like you said.
Car is gonna be mostly a street car but expect it to take it to the track more often, so the plastic should be ok.
 
empera

empera

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i'd rather replace the rusty old tank with this one and im not comfortable welding on a sump to the stocker
 
empera

empera

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IJ.;1247742 said:
For the guys that advocate sumping the stock tank do you do anything to prevent the new material and welds from rusting inside?
Click to expand...

exactly, another reason why i wasnt comfortable with welding on to the stocker.
 
F

figgie

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IJ

Gasoline is exceptional at rust inhibition. You could always seal it with done of the chemical auto restorers use.

I know Eastwood company makes in tank sealants.
 
S

SySt

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Think about what will happen in a collision with your fuel cell. It does not take much of a collision beyond the factory rear bumper strut to imagine what will happen to your cell... How much are you willing to sacrificing towards whatever you are trying to gain with that cell. Qoute me, there is no reason to replace your OEM tank unless it is junk or you are willing to tank on the maintenance of a full on race fuel cell including a rubber bladder. Even so, I doubt such a cell is street legal, much less the cell you have chosen.
 
gaboonviper85

gaboonviper85

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SySt;1248044 said:
Think about what will happen in a collision with your fuel cell. It does not take much of a collision beyond the factory rear bumper strut to imagine what will happen to your cell... How much are you willing to sacrificing towards whatever you are trying to gain with that cell. Qoute me, there is no reason to replace your OEM tank unless it is junk or you are willing to tank on the maintenance of a full on race fuel cell including a rubber bladder. Even so, I doubt such a cell is street legal, much less the cell you have chosen.
Click to expand...

doesnt matter if its street legal...we live in philly and can get anything passed lol.....little tip to the inspector and on our way.
 
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figgie

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IJ.;1247935 said:
Figgie: LOL I know what I do to seal them was just wondering what everyone else did ;) (I use a motorcycle product "Kreeme")
Click to expand...


Ohhh ohh. lol

I kind of figured you knew but still.. rather be safe than sorry ;)

BTW.

For everyone else. If you weld the spare tire well up and remove the well from the gas tank...

21+ gallons of fuel. ;)
 
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