Fuel cell maintenance

[dmumford]

I need a bit of advice, and was hoping someone might be able to help.

It seems that I need to remove the fuel cell from my Bugeye race car to do some maintenance. My plan is to drain the cell as best I can, unhook all of the fuel lines, and then proceed with removing it from the car.

From a safety perspective, is there anything else I should do to avoid potential danger?

At one point, I remember someone telling me that to minimize fumes (from the foam still in the cell?) and the potential for fire, it would be best to fill the tank with water prior to removal.

Has anyone heard of such a procedure, and if not can you think of any downside to this?

Thanks for any collective wisdom you can provide.

Dave

 

[red57]

Filling any fuel tank with water will drive out the explosive gas/air mixture, greatly reducing the chance of fire/explosion.

My owners info packet from ATL says:

"CAUTION: All fuel tanks, fuel cells, and gasoline containers must be purged and inerted before inspection, disassembly, or storage. Fuel cells are best treated by draining all fuel and then refilling with water for 5 minutes and emptying. The internal foam should be removed immediately after and dried outdoors. After wiping the bladder dry, the foam may be cleaned and reinstalled or replaced with new. NEVER REMOVE OR INSTALL FOAM THAT IS WET WITH FUEL AS IT MAY SPRAY DROPLETS OR IGNITE FROM A STATIC CHARGE. ALLWAYS WEAR FULL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING WHEN WORKING ON ANY FUEL CELL, FUEL CONTAINER, OR ACCESSORY."

Aside from safety, the key here is making sure ALL water is removed prior to use.


Hope this helps.
Dave Phillips

 

[dmumford]

Dave-

Thank you for the information. This is exactly what I was looking for. I will follow the procedure you noted and hopefully won't have any issues. Thanks again.

Dave

 

[Deleted member 3577]

I've heard of old timers running the exhaust into the tank before welding.

Don't know for sure if it works but it's ingenious.

 

[Ted_S]

A couple of months ago I fill my bladder type cell. Let it sit for a day or so, them it started to leak. Cell was stored dry for a couple of years. I do not know if the bladder failed from age or the new additives in the fuel. The bladder was marked not for alcohol and that’s what is in the new fuels. Might be worth a look to make sure yours will be good. I had Eagle Fuel Cells make me a new one and they said they have changed a few things around.