3D printed fuel filler baffle
8 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Even though I have a US +2 that is supposedly less prone to fuel leakage out the filler cap, I still get it on occasion when fuel level is pretty full and I take a right handed in a spirited way. So I designed and had 3D printed in ABS a cylindrical baffle. It just sits on the flange inside the filler neck, and I put a rubber o-ring at the top to reduce vibration. There's a handle across the top to hold it when removing or replacing it when filling.
It's been in there about 8 months and has held up well, and I haven't had a dribble since! Let me know if you want the 3D file to make one yourself. Note that it needs to be ABS or a similar chemical-resistant material, which not all printers can do. Also, I initially used a silicone o-ring, but that almost melted very quickly - old fashioned rubber has been fine.
It's been in there about 8 months and has held up well, and I haven't had a dribble since! Let me know if you want the 3D file to make one yourself. Note that it needs to be ABS or a similar chemical-resistant material, which not all printers can do. Also, I initially used a silicone o-ring, but that almost melted very quickly - old fashioned rubber has been fine.
- Richardsona39
- First Gear
- Posts: 41
- Joined: 26 Sep 2021
- Location: Maryland
Interesting idea.
Every year when I attend the Spa 6 Hour race, many competitors with 100 litre fuel tanks spill fuel onto the track in the opening laps.
This little gadget seems worth trying out!
I'll send a PM!
Every year when I attend the Spa 6 Hour race, many competitors with 100 litre fuel tanks spill fuel onto the track in the opening laps.
This little gadget seems worth trying out!
I'll send a PM!
1965 Lotus Elan S2 26/4022 (originally Dutchess Lotus East, PA and NJ Area, USA)
- Frogelan
- Fourth Gear
- Posts: 615
- Joined: 03 Jul 2017
- Location: Paris, France
This isn't a new idea, I believe some have adapted similar baffles from MX-5s (usually for racing purposes). I thought it would be fun (and probably easier) to try making one custom for the +2
- Richardsona39
- First Gear
- Posts: 41
- Joined: 26 Sep 2021
- Location: Maryland
I have not had any issues with my Elan - but I would like the STEP or STL file - just in case.
1966 Lotus Elan S3- Benelli motorcycles (various)
- Lotus54
- Second Gear
- Posts: 132
- Joined: 10 Oct 2023
- Location: Port Angeles, WA USA
On an Elan i think it would stop venting of the Tank.
On a +2 it would be ok because the +2 has venting direct near top of Tank
Alan
On a +2 it would be ok because the +2 has venting direct near top of Tank
Alan
Alan.b Brittany 1972 elan sprint fhc Lagoon Blue 0460E
- alan.barker
- Coveted Fifth Gear
- Posts: 3927
- Joined: 06 Dec 2008
- Location: BRITTANY FRANCE
Is the MX5 anti slouch valve a one way valve?
Or like an anti siphon or roll over on a modern car, a flap that opens to allow fuel in. When not being fuelled, the spring closes the door and the force of the fuel in the tank against the door keeps it closed.
Or like an anti siphon or roll over on a modern car, a flap that opens to allow fuel in. When not being fuelled, the spring closes the door and the force of the fuel in the tank against the door keeps it closed.
Born, and brought home from the hospital (no seat belt (wtf)) in a baby!
Find out where the limits are, and start from there
Love your Mother
Earth
Find out where the limits are, and start from there
Love your Mother
Earth
-
h20hamelan - Coveted Fifth Gear
- Posts: 2097
- Joined: 25 Sep 2010
- Location: RACECAR spelled backward, is——RACECAR! Kayak, Kayak. The Faster You Drive...The Slower You Age
MX5 part is more like a valve but not spring loaded. When fuel sloshes up to it, the valve is pushed closed. The one I had comprised of three flaps that opened or closed depending on the direction of fuel flow. Not exactly a valve (doesn't seal 100% when closed), its purpose is to hold fuel back from the filler neck as you corner.
-
JonB - Coveted Fifth Gear
- Posts: 2497
- Joined: 14 Nov 2017
- Location: South Herefordshire
8 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Total Online:
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 14 guests