Register now to get rid of these ads!

Are gas tank baffles necessary?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Black Primer, Sep 3, 2008.

  1. Black Primer
    Joined: Oct 1, 2007
    Posts: 965

    Black Primer
    Member

    Hey guys, Looking at gas tanks for my 37 p-up. Some have baffles some don't, is there a good reason for this? Also any slick ideas for mounting a universal tank would be appreciated. Thanks...
     
  2. Big T
    Joined: Aug 29, 2006
    Posts: 638

    Big T
    Member
    from Florida

    Far as I know, it minimizes the slosh and keeps the fuel flowing. Not sure they are 'absolutely' necessary.

    I had a company in Texas fab up this aluminum tank. I made straps and mounted it between the frame rails under the bed. There is a 'marine' fill neck countersunk into the wood bed on top. They installed baffles in this tank.

    [​IMG]
     
  3. Keeping the fuel "slosh" to a minimum helps keep the fuel at the point of exit, keeps from beating the **** out of the fuel sender lever/float, and keeps the fuel gauge from reading all over the place
     
  4. bobss396
    Joined: Aug 27, 2008
    Posts: 18,740

    bobss396
    Member

    Tank baffles also limit the transfer of fuel weight on turns which improves stability. They cut down og fuel slosh noise if the tank is under or behind the seat.

    Bob
     
  5. side_valve
    Joined: Sep 22, 2002
    Posts: 834

    side_valve
    Alliance Vendor

    It’s also for safety. Think about 15 gallons of fuel stopping instantly – that’s a lot of m*** moving forward then suddenly stopping. You want that fuel to stay in the tank and not burst out all over the place. The baffles help keep the fuel from sloshing too much plus add a lot of structure to the tank. All my “Model T” tanks have baffles.
     
  6. The37Kid
    Joined: Apr 30, 2004
    Posts: 32,496

    The37Kid
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    That is why race car tanks have foam spunges in them.
     
  7. HEMI32
    Joined: Sep 6, 2006
    Posts: 8,571

    HEMI32
    Member

  8. 5window
    Joined: Jan 29, 2005
    Posts: 9,984

    5window
    Member

    Not if you keep the tank completely full all of the time.:)
     
  9. Carpe Noctem
    Joined: Jan 20, 2008
    Posts: 95

    Carpe Noctem
    BANNED
    from Las Vegas

    Yep on tracks that have alot of switchback turns it's essential because theres enough sloshing weight to send you into a dangerous slide and possibly a roll.

    All newer water and fuel tankers have it in their cargo tanks because they would have no way to stop quickly otherwise. especially on rain or snow.

    If your going to build a tank or have one built. always have baffels installed. you'll get better braking distance, less weight transfer upestting your suspension in turns, and your fuel gauge wont be for straight roads only
     
  10. Black Primer
    Joined: Oct 1, 2007
    Posts: 965

    Black Primer
    Member

    Thanks for all the answers, I thought I'd found a tank for around $215 but it has no baffle,guess I'll p*** on that one. Nice set-up Big T!
     
  11. Big T
    Joined: Aug 29, 2006
    Posts: 638

    Big T
    Member
    from Florida

    Thanks.... mine was hand fabbed for about $250. Baffles included and made to measurements. Is your tank under or behind the seat? Can you buy a new original style tank for it? Or are you looking to move it as a priority?
     
  12. hotrodjohnny77
    Joined: Jun 1, 2008
    Posts: 264

    hotrodjohnny77
    Member

    Sending unit/pump protection?
     
  13. 40Standard
    Joined: Jul 30, 2005
    Posts: 5,971

    40Standard
    Member
    from Indy

    i would use baffles
     
  14. jusjunk
    Joined: Dec 3, 2004
    Posts: 3,138

    jusjunk
    BANNED
    from Michigan

    Not really. race tanks are a whole different deal and the days of the sponge is way gone .. Now its a bladder and it mainly for safety from fires.
    All the info is available on the net and Google is your friend..
    Dave
     
  15. Flat Ernie
    Joined: Jun 5, 2002
    Posts: 8,406

    Flat Ernie
    Tech Editor

    Foam in fuel cells is for explosion suppressant - not slosh prevention. Same technology used in aircraft for years and years.
     
  16. MXmaniac
    Joined: Oct 22, 2007
    Posts: 45

    MXmaniac
    Member
    from Denton, TX

    Also if you have an electric fuel pump(mechanical too, but not as crucial) its important to keep fuel flowing in it so it doesn't burn up. Air bubbles and running the pump with no fuel can ruin them.
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.