Billy_RS

iTrader: (5)

I've read many threads from all kinds of forums across the Internet, without coming to a conclusion on whether or not foam filling is the way forward as its design to eliminate sloshing but its been know to clog fuel lines/filters/pumps/injectors.....

Does anyone have a definitive answer?

Thanks In advance

Billy

Billy_RS

iTrader: (5)

Anyone

SBT83

If this is true, why bother??? Can't you get them with a baffle welded inside? Like a sump?

markk

iTrader: (2)

The foam is good, but as I found out to my expense if not pre-filtered it will block the pump(s).

crazycage

that's how I would do if I were to build a tank, small 1/2lt sump on the bottom with a good baffle around it

stevieturbo

Fitting foam is not to prevent fuel slosh. Filling with foam is to take up airspace so there is less chance of an explosion in an impact.

In doing so yes it may also prevent some fuel slosh, but it certainly is not the main reason for using foam.

And why would you run the pump with no pre-filter ?

My tank is foam filled and has been for years. Certainly never had any issues with anything clogging.

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

Aircraft fuel tanks are foam filled, for the reason that in case of fire, the fuel will just burn rather than explode.

markk

iTrader: (2)

It was about 15 years ago, I connected two brand new FSE high pressure pumps to two direct outlets, after about 10 miles, low fuel pressure, found large quantities of foam in the pumps - un-salvageable, lesson learnt.

Brendan

iTrader: (1)

one of my tanks has some foam in it...

The two outer sections are filled with foam, the inner sumped section is not... It has worked fine for me when I have used it! but I have made sure that my 044 pump is protected by a filter!

Si B

iTrader: (59)

I help the HEL Performance Time Attack team with transporting their Honda S2000.

They bought a fancy and well regarded fuel cell from the States. First round at Cadwell the car spent most of the time off the track with blocked fuel filters - and that was with using normal V Power.

The foam was crap, despite being from a reputable brand, maybe American fuel is less nasty than our stuff

They now have new foam that doesn't fall apart so all good there.

Latest problem is working out what the fuel level is in tank - as all you can see in the filler hole is the yellow foam. You have to squeeze the foam down and out of the way to get an indication of actual level. I spilt some Q16 mixed with V power on my foot yesterday and oh boy did it sting! Dipping my hand in the tank to find the fuel level does not appeal.

stevieturbo

What filters were they using ?

And if you have no other means of determining fuel level in a tank, use a stick or other similar rod. Bare skin would be silly.

I recently used an American cell that had black foam inside, no idea how good/bad it is. No issues so far though and the car has done a good few events.

Normally here it's either blue or yellow foam though

Spiky

iTrader: (1)

You need vertical full level sensor which have some cork on that rotates, then just cut a hole out to fit, job done

Si B

iTrader: (59)

The fuel cell had black foam in it, now has this yellow foam which seems to be holding up fine.

No idea what filters were used, but the copper / gold coloured micro mesh inside them was totally furred up with the black foam.

Last time I saw them checking fuel level, it was done with a zip tie as a dipstick!

Not very high tech, but worked fine.

I think a proper fuel sender is on the cards, but way down the list of jobs / tweaks the car needs - after only getting the car built the day before round 1, a crash in round 2, and a rod exiting the block in round 3 there's always been something more pressing to deal with