Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

Put a fuel cell in my stocker this season and was wondering what is protocol for winter storage. Should I drain it completely or ??? Plastic cell with foam inside. Thanks for any tips. - Joe

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

first step is to get the foam out before it clogs something up. then just drain it

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

X2, get that foam out pronto! Jim


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Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

Not to hijack this thread but the replies prompted me to ask the question since a fuel cell is the winter project on my car.

Is removing the foam just part of the winter draining process, or should the foam not be used on a drag car?

Thanks
Chad

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

Do NOT use the foam ,......unless you enjoy headaches. It breaks down and will plug everything.

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

Pulled the foam out after replacing pump,going thru carb and regulator and flushing lines etc.Not worth the hassle or $$$ it cost me.

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

It can also make you fail fuel check if you switch fuels.

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

Put the Marvel Mystery Oil In......let the engine run for a while.........forget it.

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

Chad, my man
What can be added to make you fail, can be added to make you pass also. Think about that for a second. Oh wait a minute it will take you longer than a second to figure that out. HeHe.
reed

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

I've found it best to remove fuel cell and store it somewhere the temp is consitent. The cell can and will sweat during temp swings and produce condensation. Of course if your vehicle is not subjected to these swings just draining would be in order. IMO. Joe

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

I am with Rusty, marvel her down, seal the vent tube from the fuel cell and forget it (esp if it is C12). Remove the foam asap, serves no purpose in a racecar.

Joe sending you a pm.

Hope all is well.

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

Just curious since the foam has been in my cell for 7 years and never a problem. Isn't the foam the whole point of running a fuel cell? Taking it out makes the cell no safer than a stock tank as far as I can figure.

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

Anytime your car is going to be parked for an extended period , drain the fuel system and seal everything up tight . Hopefully you've timed it so there isn't much fuel left in the car . The fuel you drain out can be stored carefully and re-used , but you're better off just starting the new season with fresh fuel .
The foam is in the cell for a very good reason and needs to remain there . The cell manufacturers don't include it just for the hell of it . Make sure the foam is top quality , and is manufacturerd for the type of fuel you're using ( gasoline , methanol , or nitro ) . I f you need to replace the foam , contact the company that made your cell or any of the top rated fuel cell manufacturers . They will make sure you get a quality product . Foam will normally last for years unless you run the wrong type of fuel through it or use poor quality or incorrect foam .

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

Same here, I`ve had a palstic RCI fuel cell in one of my cars for over 15 years, never any issues with the foam. The foam is still soft & pliable, and I`ve never found any foam debris in my fuel filter, pump, or carb. I`ve used nothing but C-12 for the past 9 or 10 years, before that I used a mix of Chevron Supreme 94 & Av Gas.
As for the foam having no purpose in a race car, it prevents sloshing, and would release the fuel in the case of a rupture much slower. Without the foam, it would seem that all you have is a weaker than factory container for storing fuel in the vehicle.

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

I believe the foam is intented to prevent sloshing, since we go straight (no turns under a load) it is less than critical.

Now as far as sloshing backwards that is why there is a sump and the pickup in the rear. I do not know what positive purpose it serves in a drag car? I have never run one in any of my cars for the past 22 years and have never had a problem.

Makes changing fuel at events easier from the standpoint of no cross contamination of fuels, thus failing fuel check.

The fuel should be stored in a cool place over the winter whether it is in the fuel cell or the fuel container. Fuel has no feelings and it does not know where it is being stored.

I leave my C12 in the fuel cell sealed up at 40 degrees, (my shop or garage is not heated) lol Never had a n issue at the first race of the year due to I believe being sealed and keep out the sun in a cool environment.

I am open to any insights that would help performance or safety?

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

The foam is primarily there to reduce the risk of the cell exploding. If a spark causes ignition of the fuel, the foam creates an impediment to rapid progression of the flame front. Or at least that's how it works in the military applications that the design came from. For that reason the foam should stay for safety. The reduction in sloshing is an added benefit.

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

Jeff now that makes sense, thanks.

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

I know in NASCAR they use it to keep the fuel from getting airated from slosh and vibration. I had it in my GTO for years. I never failed fuel check once after changing the fuel over. I never saw the advantage of taking it out..

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

Mr. Kempton is correct , the foam is in the cell to impede an explosion if you should be unfortunate enough to crash . The fuel cell and foam insert was developed for race cars in the early 60s by Firestone to help prevent driver death and injury from fire . The foam may have some effect on fuel sloshing ( which probably wouldn't matter very much anyway ), but that's not why it's in the cell .

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

There appears to be very strong opinions on both ways........foam in and foam out. C'mon guys........Which is it?

We've left the foam in w/o any problems

Definitely run Marvel Mystery throught the entire fuel system........cell to carb. I'm sure everyone has witnessed residue from racing fuels especially VP !

Re: Proper Fuel Cell Winter Storage
 

Foam in , there's really no debate on the subject . It serves a very important function .
As to foam deteriorating , there are several reasons that it might . One , the foam in race fuel cells is not exactly the same foam as you find at the local Home Depot . Foam not designated for fuel won't work , at least not for very long .
Another reason for foam deteriorating is mixing of fuels . Gasoline requires one type of foam . Alcohol fuels , including E fuels will require a different foam . Some manufacturers may have a foam that they feel is compatible with all types of fuel . Ask their opinion . And sunlight harms the foam , so don't take it out of the cell and leave it on the work bench over the winter .