I got a leak on my fuel cell and would like to avoid having to buy a new one... Anyone know if anyone offers repair services on them?
I got a leak on my fuel cell and would like to avoid having to buy a new one... Anyone know if anyone offers repair services on them?
@diegocuestas, How old is your Fuel cell? Unfortunately Fuel cells can not be safely repaired if they are more than a few years old. If your cell is less than ~4 years old, the original manufacturer may be willing to repair it, but if it is older that that it likely isn't safe to repair. Unfortunately fuel cells are unsafe long before they start leaking. Here is a post I did that shows pictures of what fuel cells look like when they age. https://radicalsportscarregistry.com/radicalforum/getting-started/fuel-cell-age/
When you get your car apart I think you will be surprised at what bad shape your cell is in. I went through this a few years ago and was surprised by how much Fuel cells cost to replace. I have been working with an FIA certified Fuel cell manufacture that is now making replacement fuel cells for SR3s and SR8's that are considerably less then the Factory cells and they have a 7 year warranty (That is longer that the Factory cell). They usually have some available on the shelf so they can be shipped out quickly to avoid the 6 to 8 weeks it normally takes to get a cell. To lower cost you can ship them the hardware and fuel pump from your existing cell and they will re-use it. Also, I can get you a "Radical Registry Discount" that can save you quite a bit. They also provide world wide shipping. Let me know if you decide to replace your cell and I can help you out and save you some money.
Charley
@charleyhradicalsportscarregistry-com
Hi Charley, Thanks for the detailed comment! Mine may be about 5 years old. I do have a used spare tank which I recall had no leaks but is 2 years older… we will check that one. Anyway, I may need to purchase a new one, so I would definitely would like to know about price and availability of the ones you mention. Let me know where to reach them or reply to my email (dcuestas@grupolostres.com). Tks!
I called the Fuel Cell manufacture and they said that they do have one fuel cell available and could ship it out about 2 days after receiving your hardware and fuel pump. Or they can use new hardware and ship in out withing a couple of days. The guy I am working with to get the discount wasn't available but I should have current pricing tomorrow and will send you an email.
Just thought I'd add my .02 cents in here so hopefully others might benefit.
The last race series I was in used a fuel cell. It was common knowledge to not leave reformulated fuel in your cell when you stored your car. It cut down on the life of the fuel cell and I would think just running it probably does the same.
Everyone always drained their fuel cell prior to storage and left the cap off so the remainder would evaporate. Personally I just ran race fuel and didn't have any issues.
Alas, it seems I need a new cell too. Mine expired September 2017. This SR8 habit of mine is delaying retirement!
