8 replies to this topic

[DionJ]

So, when I added my adjustable fp regulator my 99 became sensitive to fuel starvation in just 1 corner, on 1 track that is a long, sustained g lefthander. It wasn't a big deal then, I ran extra fuel and removed ballast. Now, I'm going to be overweight and will have to run minimum fuel. Does the fuel cell foam help? do I just throw it in on the right side of the pump and figure it stays put? what size fits best? Any other suggestions?

[Glenn]

So, when I added my adjustable fp regulator my 99 became sensitive to fuel starvation in just 1 corner, on 1 track that is a long, sustained g lefthander. It wasn't a big deal then, I ran extra fuel and removed ballast. Now, I'm going to be overweight and will have to run minimum fuel. Does the fuel cell foam help? do I just throw it in on the right side of the pump and figure it stays put? what size fits best? Any other suggestions?

Sounds like the internal baffle has broke loose. Very Common. I would think IF that was the problem that the fuel cell foam would help

[ChrisA]

Pretty sure foam is not legal. Correct??

[Rob Burgoon]

Correct, but that would be a pretty weenie protest. I say do it for anything but runoffs

[38bfast]

Extend the return closer to the inlet inside the tank.

[Kyle Disque]

Fuel cell foam does not change slosh. Only a baffle can reduce slosh. Fuel cell foam is only there to slow the rate of fuel release in the event of a rupture to a level that will prevent/minimize an explosion.

Think of it this way, if fuel cell foam prevented slosh in any meaningful way, you would have to limit the rate that you put fuel into the cell to account for the foam slowing the rate of dispersion. You dont have to do that at all. You can pour fuel into a cell as fast as it will come out of the can.

Dont bother making your call illegal for no gain. Check the baffle.

-Kyle

[Bench Racer]

Fuel Safe Buyer's Guide

Fuel Safe Home
What is a Fuel Safe Safety Fuel Cell?

Safety Fuel Cells were developed in the 1960s for race cars that, until their advent, had no protection in a crash from a fuel fed fire. Since Fuel Cells were first used the driver’s odds of survival, in a crash, have been greatly increased. A Safety Fuel Cell consists of four main component parts that in total give the vital protection necessary in today’s competitive high speed racing.

• The Cell starts with a bladder (bag tank) which is the core of the system. The bladder is the flexible, extremely strong, fuel container that prevents fuel spillage in the event of an accident. Made from high tensile strength elastomeric components and engineered to withstand the fuel’s chemical attack, the bladder is the first line of defense in a crash.
• Foam Baffling inside the bladder has several functions. While displacing a very small amount of fuel, the Foam prevents sloshing of the fuel. By preventing sloshing the Foam keeps the fuel de-aerated which improves fuel delivery and also insures constant delivery of fuel to the pickup. A secondary benefit the foam affords is its ability to prevent flash back explosions. And finally the foam holds the bladder in shape, important with a flexible bladder.
• The Fill Plate provides the opening to fill the Cell. It usually contains the fittings for the vent, outlet and return. This important component provides no-spill rollover protection while being engineered to integrate with the bladder for the maximum strength and security.
• The final component is the container (can). This part protects the bladder and provides a way to mount the Fuel Cell in the car. Containers have been made from aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass or even a cavity in the body structure. Containers are designed to fit the bladder closely and provide maximum capacity.

While these are the main components of a Fuel Cell, there are many additional parts that may be added to tailor a system to your particular need. Examples of these add-ons are collectors, sumps, reserve tanks, surge tanks, baffles, pumps, dry-breaks, quick fill valves, level senders, filters etc.
Why use a Fuel Safe Safety Fuel Cell?

Using a safety fuel cell in a racing vehicle is no less important than using a helmet or wearing a seat belt. The Fuel Cell is an essential part of making you fast and keeping you safe during competition. A Fuel Safe fuel cell provides its user with a much higher level of performance by keeping the fuel from moving around in the tank and by making sure that every last possible drop of fuel is used. In the event of a shunt or accident, the fuel cell is designed to retain all the fuel even if it’s deformed, rolled over, or directly impacted.

[Keith Andrews]

Extend the return closer to the inlet inside the tank.

+1

[Kyle Disque]

I love the google search trumps real world experience thing.

Pour fuel into a fuel cell and see for yourself if the foam dampens the rate that gas goes into the cell even a little bit. Think about the Sprint Cup teams putting 18 gallons of fuel into the car in 12 seconds via gravity. If the foam dampened flow that even a little bit, that wouldn't be possible.

In any corner that lasts longer than 3 seconds, all the fuel will be on one side of the tank; foam or no foam.

A baffle will do a much better job of keeping the fuel in place.

From "Think Fast" by Neil Roberts (lead engineer for Swift). He does a nice job of explaining this.

"It is commonly accepted that fuel cell foam negates slosh. If you have actually seen how fast gasoline pours through fuel cell foam, you know how wrong that is. Also, think about how much resistance that extremely soft and squishy open cell foam could possibly produce against the onrush of 50 pounds of gasoline being flung across the tank ......"

http://www.amazon.co...g/dp/1451558759

If you do decide to make your car illegal for no actual gain, make sure you get the right foam and change it often. The alcohol in street gas (ethanol) disintegrates fuel cell foam very quickly.

-Kyle