The first time I went racing with my TR3, the fuel tank line pulled free
and dumped five gallons of high test into the front seat. No fire, but
that was just luck. Now I have a GOOD steel cased fuel cell in the trunk
(actually, lowered into the spare tire compartment), two mallory pumps
in parallel (so if one dies I can switch to the other. All stainless
lines, and proper fittings. And a fire system. And an extra fire bottle.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Chip Bond [SMTP:spirals@esinet.net]
> Sent: Friday, February 13, 1998 10:42 AM
> To: 'Bownes, Robert M. (EXCH)'
> Cc: 'fot@autox.team.net'
> Subject: Roasty Toasty
>
> Kevin.
>
> >From experience I can say the the only safe way to fix that problem
> is to
> buy a -4 alloy union, and go to the best welding/machine shop you can
> find.
> Have them cut the union in half through the center of the hex portion,
> cut
> off and drill out the brass tube. Then TIG the half union into place
> permanently.
>
> Please do not try to adapt any braided line/ aguipt fittings to the
> brass
> tube itself. Get rid of it.
>
> When mine let go, the break was in the brass tube, INSIDE of the float
>
> chamber cover. It was at speed and (being a right hand drive car) the
> flames were at my face , my feet, everywhere.
>
> When you finally realise you have no choice but to stick your left
> foot
> into the flames and work the brake pedal to stop the car, you VERY
> much
> appreciate the quility of your drivers suit.
>
> Kevin, that is a very good observation, the original set-up is
> antiquated
> and can in no way survive the constant vibration of these cars in
> racing
> trim.
>
> Best racing wishes,
> Chip
>
>
> ----------
> From: Bownes, Robert M. (EXCH)[SMTP:RMBOWNES@intermedia.com]
> Sent: Friday, February 13, 1998 12:04 PM
> To: 'FOT@autox.team.net'; 'Kevin O'Driscoll'
> Subject: RE: TR4/A Gas Lines
>
> While I cannot answer on the TR4 in particular, I do have an opinion
> on
> the subject...:-}
>
>
> >Dear FOT's,
> >I have two questions regarding Gas Lines on the TR4 and TR4A series.
> The
> >push fit original gas line seems to be a rather less than a safe
> >arrangement for the racing environment.
>
> Most of what Triumph did in the brake & fuel dept is somewhat less
> than
> satisfactory in a race environment...
>
> >Q1: What options are recommended as alternatives?
>
> Replace all fittings with aeroquip.
> Replace all rubber line with Aeroquip braided stainless.
> Replace all steel line with new steel line. (if it's more than a few
> years old)
> If you are racing and the sanctioning body will allow it, spend the $$
> and buy a foam filled fuel cell. Even a plastic non filled cell (drag
> racers
> use 'em) might be better than a steel one, but I won't go play in
> traffic
> without a real cell.
>
> The first 3 will cost you about $100. I sleep alot better nowadays,
> but
> I still worry about the fittings on the SU's, esp after Chip's Roasty
> Toasty
> Adventure.
>
> >Also as a subquestion what do people do about relocating
> >the gas pump away from the engine, and what alternative pumps are
> >recommended?
>
> Race cars should all have fuel pumps in the trunk, near the fuel cell.
> Easier to hear them ticking over there when the car isn't running. :-}
> Fuel pump manufacturer of choice seems to be Mallory, but I have an
> older Facet, which works pretty well. If you are going racing, put in
> an
> inversion cutoff switch.
>
> >Q2: What was the original routing of the gas line for the
> >IRS frame vs. the old TR4 ladder frame, and are these considered safe
> by
> >modern standards?
>
> Can't help there.
>
>
> Bob
>
>
>
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