Fuel cell venting

[Radman]

I'm installing a fuel cell in th '55 this weekend. It has two 8-AN fittings on the top. One is for the pickup and the other is for a vent line. The one for a vent line has a check ball in it. I guess that if the pressure builds in the tank the gases slip past the check ball and out the vent.

Two questions:

1. When I route the vent line can it drop lower than the top of the fuel cell as I route it out of the trunk?

2. What about sometype of firewall behind the rear seat? It seems right to isloate the trunk compartment now that it carries fuel but I'm not sure if it is really necessary. What do you think?

[Nimrod]

Normally I think your suposed to run the vent line down lower than the bottom of the tank, that is so that if the car gets on its roof the fuel will not drain out. Thats also what the check valve is for. Tech inspectors at dragstrips make sure vent line runs down under the fuel cell.

[Psychobilly Boi]

Hi Guys,

Not to hijack this post but I'm interested in doing the same to my model A roadster - and was wonderinge xactly the same thing - vent tube placement and firewall.

How strong are these fuel cells?

Danny

[fatabone]

My tank is strapped to the floor and the vent tube goes down next to the tank through the floor. I don't have a firewall just the seat and interior.

[Unkl Ian]

Yes,you NEED a proper firewall.

First off for safety,second off to be legal.

[Slag Kustom]

the check ball is there in case of a roll over it will stop fuel from escaping. you should remove the back seat and cover the opening with sheet metal and seam seal it. it must be there if you ever plan to run the car at a race track. 3/8 bolts and 2" straps must be used to mount the cell. vent should have a loop in it and end below the lowest point of the cell.

[JOECOOL]

Attention fuel cell users!!! If you run a vent line make sure you put a fuel filter on the end. As your fuel is used and the air replaces the fuel it will bring in dust and dirt from the outside into the tank.
Experience speaks on this one ,I couldn't figure out how when we strained the fuel why the tank would have dirt in it. best of luck