Fuel Cell Foam, is it needed ?

[Leadfoot]

I'm in the process of redoing my fuel system from the tank to the regulator ( the tank is in the trunk ), I run a 8 gallon tank that has foam in it. I run gas and I'm wondering if I need to replace the foam or remove it all together. Also any thoughts on mounting the regulator to keep it from harmfull vibrations and harmonics. ?? Thanks

[hotrod]

Let me ask you why you are considering removing the foam?

They insert foam in fuel cells for a reason. It helps control fuel sloshing (might help avoid or control a spin), it limits flow rate of fuel if the fuel cell is seriously damaged, and it helps control explosion hazard.

All of those are good things from a safety perspective. The only legitimate reason I can think of to pull the foam out is to replace it with new foam as over time the foam can degrade and begin to break down, clogging the fuel system.

Larry

[38flattie]

When I was going round and round, we replaced the foam every year. Some foam breaks down fairly quickly. That may have been overkill, but it was cheap insurance!

[Leadfoot]

These are good suggestions..... the foam in question has been in the car 10 plus years.

[grumm441]

We run foam in our tank
It stops the sloshing and it also seems to stop cavitation around the the fuel pump inlet line
G

[Leadfoot]

Has anyone had experience with electric fuel pump mounting directly to the fuel cell ( just one 45 degree fitting and then the 500gph pump ) Would this cause cavitation and vibrations or is it better to have a short piece of braided line ?

[grumm441]

The cavitation is caused by vacuum around the pickup hole lowering the boiling temp of whatever the fuel medium is and creating bubbles
Two different vids but both relevent
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7d-OscIGwo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOYgdQp4euc
That's why it's important to have a screen on the fuel pickup on your efi pump
And also why they tell you to weld the oil pickup onto the oil pump of your chev motor
G