Top tip needed - fuel cut off switch
Discussion
I'm getting back into trackdays again (Cadwell - 20th March 
) and I think it would be wise to have some kind of emergency cut-off switch for the fuel system should I have a mishap.
The system already has a switch near the driver, so I guess an inertia type switch that would cut the fuel pump if I came to a sudden stop would be the thing to go for.
Any suggestions for donor switches and how/where to fit them?
Thanks
Neil
) and I think it would be wise to have some kind of emergency cut-off switch for the fuel system should I have a mishap. The system already has a switch near the driver, so I guess an inertia type switch that would cut the fuel pump if I came to a sudden stop would be the thing to go for.
Any suggestions for donor switches and how/where to fit them?
Thanks
Neil
The trouble with inertia switches are that they tend to shut-off when you don't want them to. For example, you may be nicely set-up for a very fast corner, hit a wet bit, slide onto a bumpy bit of grass or a kerb and just when you need full power to keep the front in front, off goes the switch and the fuel cuts out.
Maybe it's better to fit electric pumps, like an early car (I use twin Facit units), and fit an FIA cut-off switch into the battery and ignition circuits. That way if (when) you go off you just hit the switch and all the electrics are completely dead. That's what race and rally cars all have. It's quite unusual for a Mini fuel tank to split and if you run the fuel line inside the car from front to back it's very safe. I always run mine down the centre of the inside (i.e. along the exhaust pipe tunnel) as even if I go off and smash the sill right in it won't split the fuel pipe. Remember to run the pipe as one continuous run of metal pipe with absolutely no joints inside the cockpit area.
Carry a 2kg AFFF fire extinguisher where you can reach it whilst strapped in.
Another safety tip:
The hoses to the heater box inside the car are just standard rubber heater hose. This can perish with heat and age and if a heater pipe splits the car fills with steam in about half a second and you can't see out - not to mention scalded passenger's feet. Always use metal braided hose for this application and check it regularly. Better safe than sorry!
Maybe it's better to fit electric pumps, like an early car (I use twin Facit units), and fit an FIA cut-off switch into the battery and ignition circuits. That way if (when) you go off you just hit the switch and all the electrics are completely dead. That's what race and rally cars all have. It's quite unusual for a Mini fuel tank to split and if you run the fuel line inside the car from front to back it's very safe. I always run mine down the centre of the inside (i.e. along the exhaust pipe tunnel) as even if I go off and smash the sill right in it won't split the fuel pipe. Remember to run the pipe as one continuous run of metal pipe with absolutely no joints inside the cockpit area.
Carry a 2kg AFFF fire extinguisher where you can reach it whilst strapped in.
Another safety tip:
The hoses to the heater box inside the car are just standard rubber heater hose. This can perish with heat and age and if a heater pipe splits the car fills with steam in about half a second and you can't see out - not to mention scalded passenger's feet. Always use metal braided hose for this application and check it regularly. Better safe than sorry!
Top idea, thanks for that.
I've had the fuel supply cut off by the switch on our sportpack a couple of times when travelling in ROI. Quite scary when you hit a pothole at speed and the engine dies.
On my trackday car I run an 8 port head I am always worried about the carbs facing forward. They are so close to the front of the bonnet that the slightest bump would probably damage them and could result in fuel spillage.
Best way I suppose is keep away from everyone else and try and keep it on the black stuff
I've had the fuel supply cut off by the switch on our sportpack a couple of times when travelling in ROI. Quite scary when you hit a pothole at speed and the engine dies.
On my trackday car I run an 8 port head I am always worried about the carbs facing forward. They are so close to the front of the bonnet that the slightest bump would probably damage them and could result in fuel spillage.
Best way I suppose is keep away from everyone else and try and keep it on the black stuff
Yes. Safety Devices (the famous Tony Fall's company) do a fully plumbed in extinguisher system which houses the tank behind the driver's seat and has the output nozzles in the engine compartment spraying onto the inlet area. The trigger is mounted inside the car where driver and navigator can reach it. The cost: around £200 I believe. It's an FIA approved system.
Alternatively try Demon Tweeks web site for details and a price.
I'll post some stuff on my Formula 1400 Enduro Rally car progress shortly if anyone is interested.
Peter
Alternatively try Demon Tweeks web site for details and a price.
I'll post some stuff on my Formula 1400 Enduro Rally car progress shortly if anyone is interested.
Peter
miniman said:
I'll post some stuff on my Formula 1400 Enduro Rally car progress shortly if anyone is interested.
Peter
Absolutely! And, if you'll let me use it on my site, even better!
James, of course you can use it on your super site.
As of today the car, a 1990 cooper 1275 in black/white roof, is in at Chris Spennewyn's workshop. We looked at it together today and have decided that in view of the use to which I shall be putting it we will have two new front wings and a new front panel. After Chris finishes spraying it I'll take it home to my workshop and strip it all out.
Then the build proper can start and I'll post on progress as we go (my son and grandson are helping with the build). As of this evening I'm working on the build spec to decide what parts we need. I an going to wels the full roll cage in as this really stiffens up the shell a lot.
More later.
Cooperman said:
Yes. Safety Devices (the famous Tony Fall's company) do a fully plumbed in extinguisher system which houses the tank behind the driver's seat and has the output nozzles in the engine compartment spraying onto the inlet area. The trigger is mounted inside the car where driver and navigator can reach it. The cost: around £200 I believe. It's an FIA approved system.
Alternatively try Demon Tweeks web site for details and a price.
I'll post some stuff on my Formula 1400 Enduro Rally car progress shortly if anyone is interested.
Peter
I've got a safety devices plumbed in fire extinguisher in my mini (nozzles under the bonnet and in the boot), cost me £90 plus vat, and it's a 1.74 litre (FIA approved). It was a doddle to install, and comes with two release handles - I have one withing easy reach of the driver's seat, and was going to put the other on the outside (making sure I put the locking pin in when I leave it somewhere) But never got round to it...
Neil8p said:
Oi Chris, I'm coming to Elvington to watch you....
Would you like me to bring along some oil? You may need a top up after your engine has blown all it's oil out of the rocker cover
They only blow oil out of the rocker cover because they don't have sufficient breather pipes.
If you can get a really early rocker cover, say before about 1970, the tin rocker covers have a breather pipe. Run a length of rubber heater hose from this to a catch tank, I use a half litre brake fluid tin and mount it on a little aluminium bracket under the LH front wing, just behing the electric fan.
If you have an alloy rocker cover you can drill and tap the cover to take a threaded hose fitting or drill right through and fit a plumbers fitting with a thin nut on the inside. Take care to tack-weld the nut in place on the inside to prevent it from coming loose and falling into the rocker gear!!!
I hope this helps.
Peter
Gassing Station | Classic Minis | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff