Many people don't think about fuel cells when they are shopping for race cars, but they should. SR3 and SR8's over the years came with several fuel tank options. There are two different size options (54L and 77L) available. You can check out this link if you want to read about identifying fuel tank size https://radicalsportscarregistry.com/radicalforum/general-discussion/fuel-tank-size/. There were also Aluminum tanks and fuel cells available in each size. Aluminum tanks are fine for track day cars, but fuel cells are generally safer and are required by most racing organizations. The down side to Fuel Cells is they are only certified for 5 years, and then they require replacement. Replacing a fuel cell is an expensive and labor intensive so it is common to overlook them until there is an issue. Also Fuel cells are buried in the structure of the car (under the seat) so they are out of site and easy to forget about. Also when people are not racing with groups that verify fuel cell certifications, they may think it is fine to be out of certification. I was one of those people that figured fuel cell certification was only important for people racing, also, I never really thought about if my car had an aluminum tank or a fuel cell.... until one day I was driving at Laguna Seca and noticed fuel in the cockpit. Obviously this became an issue that I needed to address because I had no interest in testing out how well my fire suit worked. 😉
Here are some pictures of what fuel cells look like when they age, and why it is important to check them. In my case my fuel tank was unsafe long before it finally started leaking and if I had been in a bad accident the fuel cell could have easily ruptured and filled the cockpit with fuel.
This is what a 7 year old fuel cell looks like.
And this is what an 18 year old fuel cell looks like (this was in a Prosport that sat in a car collection for the past 7 years)
So, if you have a car (or are buying a car) that is older then 5 years old, be aware that it is important to understand the condition of the fuel cell and ensure it is safe to drive with.
Charley
I guess, I will better have a look.
Alex
In the cars with aluminum tanks, do those tanks have sealed screw down cover so the fuel cell bladder goes in the aluminum tank? Most cells are a fuel ladder with foam inside both contained in a can
In the cars with aluminum tanks, do those tanks have sealed screw down cover so the fuel cell bladder goes in the aluminum tank? Most cells are a fuel ladder with foam inside both contained in a can
The Aluminum tanks in the Radicals do not have bladders. They are simply welded tanks with foam inside. Here is a picture of an aluminum tank (from GraemD's SR1, which is very similar in design to the SR3/8 tank). The tank is then covered with a close out panel.
The cars with fuel cells have the cell sitting in the same place and then are covered with a close out panel (like the aluminum tanks).
This is what the fuel cell looks like with the close out panel removed.
This is what it looks like with the close out panel installed.
I’m surprised. Looks unsafe but got past FIA so must be good. I have only seen bladders in containers behind car bulkheads.
I’m surprised. Looks unsafe but got past FIA so must be good. I have only seen bladders in containers behind car bulkheads.
It is safe as long as the fuel cell is within it’s certified life.
ttt
