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Old 05-30-2003, 03:02 PM   #1
Racer_726
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Fuel cell question

How often do you change the foam on the 95R or 2000R fuel cell? Any advice as far as fuel cell maintenance and best souces for replacement foam?

I've heard once a year before, but I'm not sure I want to do that.

Thanks,
Dave
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Old 05-31-2003, 11:08 AM   #2
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Didn't know we were suppose to replace it. Original foam is still in all my cars.

Brian
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Old 06-01-2003, 10:59 AM   #3
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You got me stumped.
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Old 06-02-2003, 04:24 PM   #4
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Check out Fuel Safe's website. They say the FIA and NASCAR mandate replacement every 5 years. Hmmmmm, my '95 is how many years old? This is for sanction approval. Don't know about day to day safety. http://www.fuelsafe.com/FAQ.htm

Maybe we should check on a group purchase?

Dean
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Old 06-20-2003, 08:42 AM   #5
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fuel cell foam

I agree with Fuel Safe. My experience with road race cars taught me to change the bladder every 5 years since the bladder material will degrade, fall apart and end up in your fuel filter.

All the fuel cell manufactors sell replacement bladders that replace the original bladder. Cost is reasonable. On a R you have to drop the tank.
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Old 07-26-2003, 07:27 PM   #6
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I know about the bladder being five years, but I thought the foam was annually. I was worried about it breaking apart.

From the responses here, I guess I shouldn't be too worried.

Thanks,
Dave
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Old 12-13-2003, 04:47 PM   #7
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Fuel cell leaks

Well as we discussed here a few months ago, there is limit to our fuel cell's useful life! My '95 R has sprung a leak. Dropping the tank wasn't a problem but... Fuel Safe doesn't list a replacement bladder for this cell. Just the entire unit for something like $1600.!!!!! Merry Christmas indeed!

Anyone have a suggestion re where to go for the best deal?

Happy Holidays!
Dean S.
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Old 12-14-2003, 06:22 AM   #8
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Dean,
Try calling them. I believe they will build one for you. They should have all the measurements. It should only be around $500 for replacement bladder with foam. If you can, please post where it started leaking after you drop it and inspect.

If you would like to inquire about a group purchase (if it's cheaper), I would be interested.

Doc
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Old 12-14-2003, 11:26 AM   #9
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Thanks for the info. I will call FuelSafe tomorrow (Monday)and inquire about the bladder replacementand group buy.

Anyone else interested? Let me know and I will let you know.

Dean S.
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Old 12-15-2003, 04:34 PM   #10
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Fuel Cell Group Buy

Spoke w/Brian at Fuel Safe today and here are our options:

1. Replacement bladder for the R lists for $1113.25!!!

2. He can "wholesale" one through a dealer for $968.53.

3. A group purchase of 7 to 10 brings the price to $856.25

OR
4. Remove the old bladder, clean it and send back to Fuel Safe and they MAY be able to repair it. But it is no longer certified. Cost depends on repairs necessary.

Still seems rather pricey so I have a call into Racer Parts Wholesale. They are a distributor for Fuel Safe and have much better pricing than the factory according to their website.
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Old 12-16-2003, 09:33 AM   #11
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Wow,
That is much higher than I estimated. I just bought a Fuel Safe replacement (15gal.) for $400. I thought the 22 gal. would only be $500. I assume it is a more complicated design.
Check your PM.
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Old 12-16-2003, 02:35 PM   #12
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fuel cell

Brian,
Do you have any thoughts on this?
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Old 12-16-2003, 05:53 PM   #13
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Spoke with Nick at Racer Parts Wholesale re the replacement bladder and he quoted $907.63.

Pulled the cell apart today and the bladder is nasty looking. The material that's used to coat and seal (I guess) is dried out, cracked and peeling off the bladder. Fortunately the foam was in very good shape. That costs another $160 if needed.

I'm going to think on this for a day or so before ordering, tho I don't seem to have any other options at this point.

Anybody else need a fuel cell replaced?

Dean S
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Old 12-16-2003, 06:27 PM   #14
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my 2 cents

Dean,
Sorry to hear the bladder is useless. It sounds like a problem we will all have soon.

My 2 cents. Go with the replacement bladder and new foam. That would solve any future problems and keep the car in original condition. I would think that putting the old foam in a new bladder would cause you to have to pull it soon when it starts to dissolve and get in the filter.

If you make Sebring this year, look us up in the racer's paddock between the start/finish and turn one. I'll have a red truck, blue 'w/ white stripes car. There is a good chance I'll have some extra tickets.
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Old 12-16-2003, 10:31 PM   #15
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Doc,

re Sebring, you going on the weekend of the 12 Hr? Or for the big vintage event that's usually a few weeks before the 12 Hr?
I hear Steeda is planning a Sebring event in late March or April.

Back to the fuel cell, do you really think I should replace the foam? It appears to be fine, not fuzzy or flaking or dried out looking. However, while it's all apart the smart thing is to do it all, even the fuel pump, I guess. You know how it is, tryin to save a few bucks and it comes back and bites you in the butt (and wallet) later.

I will be calling my order in tomorrow AM. Anyone else need a fuel cell?

Dean S
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