This month, we’re talking about fuel cells and how to maintain and properly store the bladders and shells.
This Tech Tip originally appeared in the Feb. 2007 edition of Sprint Car & Midget Magazine.
This month, we’re talking about fuel cells and how to maintain and properly store the bladders and shells. I always thought that all you needed to do in preparation to store your fuel cell was empty out the remaining fuel and block off the lines. Well, I was wrong!
In search of answers, I went to Fuel Safe Racing Cells and spoke with Drew Barney.
“What a lot of people don‘t realize is that dirt gets behind the bladder and can actually wear through the bladder over time and cause leaks. Bladder maintenance and storage is critical,” said Barney.
With that being said, he walked me through the proper way to maintain and store your fuel cell and its bladder.
The first thing you do is drain the fuel system of all remaining fuel. To do this, remove the bulkhead fitting on the fuel pump, placing the fuel line in a fuel jug and letting it drain until empty.
Sometimes more than one jug is needed, so be sure to keep a few extras next to you in case of overflow.
Next, you‘re going to want to remove the bulkhead fitting that attaches the fuel feed line to the fuel cell. Remove all the fuel return line(s) fittings. You can now take the fuel cell assembly out of the car by removing the two top side bolts, and the two lower side bolts.
Slide the cell up and back to free it from the car (remember to set your fuel cell on a rug or piece of carpet to keep from scratching your paint).
With the fuel cell out of the car, carefully remove the top plate (where the cap is) and remove the front plate. Removing both plates will unhook the bladder from the shell of the tank.
Now the fun part: removing the bladder from the tank. Start by pushing down from the top inside of shell (the hole where the cap was) and carefully working the bladder out of the front.
As the bladder is coming out, reach down again from the top hole and try to “roll it out.” This is tough to do but take your time and it will work!
Now inspect the pickup line and filter (if used), remove and clean. Inspect the bladder inside and out for any scrapes or abrasions. Be sure to check all around the seams for any tears or cracks that might cause leaks. Wipe the inside and outside of the bladder dry with a cloth or towel.
Next, wipe the inside of the bladder down with a rubber protector of your choice (303 and Armor All are two examples). Store your bladder at room temperature in a dark place.
MOSHER‘S TIP:
Be sure to check all fuel lines frequently for leaks.
At this point, your fuel cell is free of the car with the bladder taken out. In order to clean out the inside of the tank, first blow any dirt or debris out with an air hose. Once the tank is free of any excess dirt, wash the inside with soap and water and let dry completely.
Double-check to make sure all dirt has been removed. If not, repeat the process.
You are now ready to re-install the bladder back into the fuel cell. This, in my opinion, is harder than removing the darn thing! So I went back to Fuel Safe Racing Cells for tips on re-installing the bladder.
To start, apply another coat of rubber protector to the bladder.
Starting at the bottom of the tank, gently slide the bladder in, bottom-end first, using a spiral rotation while pushing.
“Baby powder sprinkled lightly into the shell will help the bladder slide easier into the shell,” suggested Barney.
Once the bladder is completely inside the shell, use a broom stick to open it up and get it to expand into the proper areas of the shell. If you run a filter, install it now.
Put the pick-up hose back onto the bulkhead fitting and locate the other end of the pick-up hose back to its proper spot in the bladder. Be sure to use the ties to hold them firm.
Install the bulkhead fitting through the shell and tighten. Replace the top plate carefully, making sure the nut ring is in its proper location, and that the bladder properly seals up against the tank.
Drew Barney also suggested you always check for leaks, and make sure all your bolts are tightened properly. You are now done and ready to re-install your fuel cell into the car.
Thanks again to Drew Barney and Fuel Safe for all their help!
Fuel cell maintenance and proper storage is important and should be done each season.
Until next month, drive hard and be safe!