Fuel Sample Port??

#1

I am looking for ideas on how to do the fuel sampling for Nationals. I don’t think I will even get the privilege of going to impound although do expect to be a solid mid-pack guy. I hate to spend the $80 or more to buy a kit for a rule that does not even exist. I have doubts that this will even become a rule as except for identifying the tint of the fuel I can’t see any fuel testing in the regions. (BTW, I know a guy who knows a guy who can match the tint of the fuel so let me know your needs.) Our region has a hard time in tech doing the simple tests and we have yet to receive any of the supposed SE30 supplied test equipment. So with all that said, what is a simple DIY solution to this? I am thinking of a tee in the return line with a valve and plug or cap that can be removed and hose put on so the fuel can be collected outside the engine bay. Anyone have any idea if this would be legal for this nonexistent rule? Any ideas of a valve available at Lowes that will work for this. I am sure a standard ball valve will work with the cap as backup if the packing ever starts to leak. I’m going to remove this once Nationals is over.

And don’t get me wrong. I am all about compliance testing and I don’t mind fuel being on the list. I do not like changing the legal fuel two weeks before the biggest event and implementing new rules that are counter to our written rules to date. On principal this burns me to no end. I am aware that there is power to be made with illegal fuel but we don’t even open up ECU’s and look for chips. The new WAR chip from Miller would be awesome for our application not to mention GTS who is on the dyno a lot.

#2

I would guess that you could probably find something at Lowe’s that would work, but I plan to do exactly nothing until I see an official requirement.

Matt

#3

I remember standing in a stacker trailer at nationals in 2007 or 2008 when they handed out a rule change - literally passed out paper to each person at the drivers meeting.

They have announced this on nasaforums, so I’m gonna assume it is as official as it gets.

I know it is a pain in the ass to acquire a test port this close to the race, but it could be a safety issue for the tech officials. If you get pulled for impound and asked to give a fuel sample, please take yourself and your hot manifold away from the tech shed a safe distance before yanking the fuel line loose. And bring an extinguisher! :ohmy:

#4

Any chance the fuel port kit for a Miata would fit looks in his garage at unused parts

(no bad temper today - see?!?!?!)

#5

should be <$30:
http://www.fuelports.com/

#6

[quote=“jlucas” post=59389]should be <$30:
http://www.fuelports.com/[/quote]

+1, we have their unit on our cars from doing the S-club races B)

Andrew Z
Drive-gear.com

#7

We just got 2 units from fuelports.com for our 2 cars. Planning to install next to the FPR - kit comes with the connector and hose which will keep the fuel sample away from the engine bay.

#8

[quote=“jlucas” post=59389]should be <$30:
http://www.fuelports.com/[/quote]

What exactly do you order? I don’t see any of the kits less then $30. On the nasa forums a kit was offered for over $80.

#9

I checked out fuelports.com and he only accepts cash, check, or money order. i don’t see how anyone could send him a check in the mail and then hope to get the port in time. Just not enough time to implement this rule.

You guys may want to think about where you install the port as well. SCCA requires between tank and injectors. Not sure the return line will work for them. They want the supply line. With no rule to follow expect whatever you do to not be right.

#10

I used this guy

Hi Simon, I believe your car will need a FP5/16T, 2 FPHC, and a FPST. We have everything in stock and your total with shipping USPS will be $ 33.50. We now take VISA/MC if you wish. Thanks,

Bret Moyer - President
The Race Place
724-535-6112
www.trplace.us

I found him through this site

http://www.angelfire.com/oh5/sccafuelports/homepage1.html

For the record I’m equally as annoyed. Also if you don’t read a forum how would you even know about this rule? I haven’t recieved anything official. I’d be really annoyed if I showed up with jugs of gasoline and a full car on Wednesday night.

#11

And here is the kit I ordered installed. This was done by the fuel filter. Not sure where the best place is, I think I might do the same so I can avoid the hot engine bay.

http://www.angelfire.com/oh5/sccafuelports/marshalllytlebmwits.html

#12

[quote=“Elephant4” post=59395]I used this guy

Hi Simon, I believe your car will need a FP5/16T, 2 FPHC, and a FPST. We have everything in stock and your total with shipping USPS will be $ 33.50. We now take VISA/MC if you wish. Thanks,

Bret Moyer - President
The Race Place
724-535-6112
www.trplace.us

I found him through this site

http://www.angelfire.com/oh5/sccafuelports/homepage1.html

For the record I’m equally as annoyed. Also if you don’t read a forum how would you even know about this rule? I haven’t recieved anything official. I’d be really annoyed if I showed up with jugs of gasoline and a full car on Wednesday night.[/quote]

I just emailed him. I guess he takes CC now so I should be good to go. How did you order? Just via email?

#13

I sent him my address via email but ultimately I called him to give him my cc info.

#14

Where is this announcement? I looked around NASAForums and have not found it.

#15

http://www.nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=86&t=46172

I emailed Scott to determine whether we have to install on the supply line vs the return line.

#16

[quote=“tpr jules” post=59404]http://www.nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=86&t=46172

I emailed Scott to determine whether we have to install on the supply line vs the return line.[/quote]
Thanks Julio.

If it was me I’d just stick a hose down the car’s fuel filler port and take the sample.

#17

Rumor has it that some guys have used bladders in the fuel tanks in order to pass that test, hence this complication.

#18

[quote=“cheapthrills” post=59418]Rumor has it that some guys have used bladders in the fuel tanks in order to pass that test, hence this complication.[/quote]The test port won’t catch that if it’s done well. To do it right, you have to have a crossover to swap to the test-ready fuel on the cool down lap. Or so I’ve heard.:wink:

#19

I checked with Scott, one of the tech stewards, and the fuelports guy and we can install on either the supply or return side. I’m going with the return side next to the FPR. The test sample connector with hose is long enough where the sample will be taken outside of the engine bay. Hope this helps.

#20

No offense but that is just one stewards opinion. There is no rule and if and when it is written who knows what it may say. If NASA follows SCCA I would guess it goes on the supply line. Like I have said before, it is not the idea of the rule but that they are trying to enforce something that is counter to what the rules allow and asking to provide means to do so without clear instructions.