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Fuel Cells- Keeping fuel from Sloshing

Discussion in 'Long Travel Suspension' started by Siebler, Jul 22, 2012.

  1. Jul 22, 2012 at 10:29 AM
    #1
    Siebler

    Siebler [OP] Duck Killing Machine

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    OK so I have read on most all the forums the different ways and theories to keep fuel from sloshing. Well TW doesnt have a thread so I wanted to see what you guys have found.

    Installed a fuel cell this weekend so now I am at this point, how to I baffle it?

    What are you guys doing?

    Common Foam? (What type? Breakdown experience?)

    Wiffle Balls? (Brands that your using and how this works?)

    Something Different? (Maybe Drilled out PVC, Custom Baffles, etc)



    Thanks!
     
  2. Jul 22, 2012 at 11:46 AM
    #2
    Tacoma Mike

    Tacoma Mike 48 Year Chrysler/Toyota/ASE/ Master Tech.RETIRED

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    What brand do you have???. Most fuel cell companies supply the foam for their cells. I'm surprised it didn't come with it. Also make sure you use the correct foam for application. The wrong foam will fall apart and cause major issues in your fuel system. Definitely a very PITA situation. Check the manufacture of the cell....
     
  3. Jul 22, 2012 at 11:56 AM
    #3
    Siebler

    Siebler [OP] Duck Killing Machine

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    Yeah no foam with my cell. I am hearing the Fuel Safe foam is best, definitly will be going with the best if this is route I choose (hence reason for thread). I am running a filter pre-pump to help with this should I go foam (or just for whatever really) as well.

    Also hear that the additives of CA gas is what causes a lot of the issues with foam breaking down. For this reason really interested in the CA guys experience with foam brands and what octane fuel they run.

    Was wondering about the baffling experience folks have had with PVC pipe or Wiffle Balls as these seem a more stable substance in Gas and also possibly in Ethanol which interests me as ive looked at E85 conversions.
     
  4. Jul 22, 2012 at 12:01 PM
    #4
    x2468

    x2468 Well-Known Member

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    There is a company that makes foam for mx bike fuel tanks that is very effective. I think u can buy it in whatever size u need. I think u lose 2% capacity.
     
  5. Jul 22, 2012 at 12:12 PM
    #5
    Tacoma Mike

    Tacoma Mike 48 Year Chrysler/Toyota/ASE/ Master Tech.RETIRED

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    Unfortunately I can't shed much help for you. I've only delt with race fuel in the cells. I'm sure if you end up with foam a quick call to someone. (ie fuel safe etc) will get you squared away. Good luck and post your findings so others can have that info for later referral..
     
  6. Jul 22, 2012 at 8:47 PM
    #6
    noSKills858

    noSKills858 battlescars

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    I don't really notice the fuel sloshing around much on my truck. I don't have anything in there right now either. When it get's low on gas that's when the pick up will cut out every once in a while and a baffle would be nice. Eventually I am going to go with wiffle balls because I have put them to a test and they show no sign of aging.
     
  7. Jul 23, 2012 at 1:19 PM
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    Siebler

    Siebler [OP] Duck Killing Machine

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    That is what I am experiencing as well Alex. Yesterday while taking a on ramp loop that was fairly steep, long and sharp the fuel shifted and sucked air. Had to pull off and run motor for a few minutes to get it all going the way it should again.

    Interested to hear your experience with the wiffle balls. I am currently considering the PVC sections drilled out and stacked. Seems like the cheapest option as wiffle balls add up fast. This or the old Foam, just dont want to deal with clogging stuff as it breaks down.

    Thanks for your input Alex, was hoping youd be one of the guys to chime in.
     
  8. Jul 23, 2012 at 1:59 PM
    #8
    Supermoto

    Supermoto Well-Known Member

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    wiffle balls all the way. don't do foam it always breaks down eventually
     
  9. Jul 23, 2012 at 2:25 PM
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    Siebler

    Siebler [OP] Duck Killing Machine

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    Any suggestions on ball brands that you guys have tested/used? And they really work well to keep fuel from surging then too?
     
  10. Jul 24, 2012 at 9:44 AM
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    TC yota

    TC yota Well-Known Member

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    I used the blue foam from jaz, only had a few pieces found in my pre-filter in over two years, not bad if you ask me
     
  11. Jul 24, 2012 at 2:49 PM
    #11
    Siebler

    Siebler [OP] Duck Killing Machine

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    Interesting to hear. Havnt heard a lot of good about Jaz. Seems everybody favors the Fuel Safe foam.

    Thanks for input! Ill keep that one in mind if I go Foam.
     
  12. Jul 24, 2012 at 4:48 PM
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    DTFtacoma

    DTFtacoma Dezert Toy Fabrication Vendor

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    Wiffle balls? Golf or baseball? lol
     
  13. Jul 24, 2012 at 5:25 PM
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    noSKills858

    noSKills858 battlescars

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    I am hesitant to use wiffle balls because I'm unsure how much fuel displacement there will be. It will be a shame to have to get a 32gal in order to obtain 22gal of fuel.
     
  14. Jul 24, 2012 at 5:26 PM
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    TC yota

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    Yeah that's what I've heard, but Mine has worked good!
     
  15. Jul 24, 2012 at 5:45 PM
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    Siebler

    Siebler [OP] Duck Killing Machine

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    A lot of guys are saying it only displaces a few gallons in a 30 gallon cell. I guess if you really wanted to you could do the math of crush/melt one and take the volume of that and multiply by number of balls needed. Also Baseball sized would displace less than golf ball.

    I cant imagine they would displace much more than foam. While the density of the initial material is harder it is also far less.

    I am kinda thinking about trying the drilled PVC Tube. It really shouldnt take that much 2 or 3" PVC to fill tank and the large diameter should help with above displacement worry. This or some high quality foam. Fact is itll probably take 20.00 in PVC so if it doesnt work well no big deal. Foam and balls however are much bigger money.
     
  16. Jul 24, 2012 at 5:49 PM
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    Supermoto

    Supermoto Well-Known Member

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    In a 32 gallon cell they take up just over a gallon. That's the baseball sized ones
     
  17. Jul 25, 2012 at 10:29 AM
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    TC yota

    TC yota Well-Known Member

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    smog and they arent DOT approved, if you're smart/lucky you can get around the smog part, but a cop can still bust you
     
  18. Jul 25, 2012 at 10:34 AM
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    97yota4wd

    97yota4wd Well-Known Member

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    isnt it as long as your using the stock filler tube you can usually get away with it?
     
  19. Jul 25, 2012 at 10:34 AM
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    anthony250f

    anthony250f Well-Known Member

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    Can someone explain to me the point of the wiffle balls and stuff? Sorry
     
  20. Jul 25, 2012 at 10:38 AM
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    97yota4wd

    97yota4wd Well-Known Member

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    .... to keep fuel from sloshing around.... so if your doing a big left turn and your fuel cell is almost empty, all the fuel goes to the very left, very easy, then your fuel pump will start sucking air. the wiffle balls are a way to slow down the movement of the fuel, long story short.
     

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