Fuel Cell source?

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RJ	Fuel Cell source?		Lead	[-]
Posts: 10 06/15/09 12:43:16	Tags : None I am currently re-doing the main roll hoop in my Swift DB5 as it is a little to short for me. While I'm at it, I thought it would be prudent to replace the fuel cell as it is dated 1989. I would appreciate any thoughts as to the length of service one could expect from the original fuel cell and if a replacement is a good idea. The fuel cell has not had any problems and appears to be in excellent shape - but I don't know. If replacement is a good idea, where should one go for a new one or, if possible, a "rebuild". Any comments and/or suggestions are very welcome. Thanks RJ
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Mark Schue		#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 577 06/15/09 13:26:59	Aero Tech. Had my DB5 refurbished there. Fair price, quick turn around. See link in suppliers section: http://s2racing.yuku.com/topic/2156
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Dave Gomberg		#2	[url]	[-]
Posts: 123 06/15/09 13:31:02	A lot depends on what has been in the cell over the years and how much physical stress it has seen. A cell of that age was not made to withstand ethanol (or other alcohols). If you have been using leaded race fuel throughout its life, then the greater risk of damage is physical, but cell materials can just "give up" after a while (gas may just seep through the wall rather than just leak through a split or hole). If you remove the cell and examine it for chafing or other wear - especially at the seams (edges) - you will probably be able to make an educated guess at its condition. If it is questionable, you can send it to a place like Eagle Fuel Cell (eaglefuelcells.com) for evaluation. They can tell you about its condition and whether it can be/is worth repairing. As for replacing it, the only domestic sources for cells that currently meet SCCA requirements are Fuel Safe and ATL - which, if you aren't aware of it, are the same company and their cells are now made in the same facility. We just opened up the rules to allow for an alternate approval process, but there hasn't been time for anyone to go through it yet. Dave
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Charles Warner		#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 756 06/15/09 15:57:17	Take it to your local FAA approved fuel cell specialist. Explain you do NOT want certification. Ask them to pressure check it and then reseal the inside, repairing any outer blemishes. Voila. Charlie Warner fatto gatto racing
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Tigaman		#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 3108 06/15/09 17:17:25 Administrator	Speaking from the standpoint of someone who has done what you're contemplating, I would recommend removing it, sending it to Aero-Tech (under suppliers information elsewhere on this board) and having them recoat it and refoam it. While a majority of these cells don't require repair, they do require attention and now is the time. I've had several cars that had rotting foam clog the outlet and a few where the exposed necks cracked or tore. The Swift doesn't have that problem due to the fill plate, but it would be a good idea to pull it and send it out. Five years is the recommended service interval that I have heard bandied about. -Peter www.peterkrause.net "The Driver is the Greatest Performance Variable in the Racing Equation."
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Charles Warner		#5	[url]	[-]
Posts: 757 06/16/09 15:15:51	And two years is the max interval between replacing the fuel cell foam. Cheap and easy to do. 'Tis a terrible thing to miss a weekend because the fuel cell foam has deteriorated to the point of restricting the fuel filter to a fuel flow of partial throttle operation. You can't tell anything is wrong until you are at full throttle and the engine chokes. Idles fine and runs around the pits fine . . . . . Charlie Warner fatto gatto racing
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RJ		#6	[url]	[-]
Posts: 11 06/17/09 16:20:17	Again, I thank you for the info. I have contacted Aero Tech an I am sending the unit to them for a look-see and rehab. Thanks again RJ
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Bruce Allison 87		#7	[url]	[-]
Posts: 225 06/21/09 06:27:23	When I rebuilt the Prototype DB2 I sent the fuel cell in to AeroTech. They did a great job (as usual). Before I re-installed the firewall I put a copy of the invoice in a plastic pouch & laid it in there with the fuel cell. Now the next guy will know excactly who/when the service was done. BA
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bob wheless		#8	[url]	[-]
Posts: 15 06/21/09 12:21:02	Now that is a nice touch !!!................bob
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