Fuel Safety

[lineslinger]

I have done a fair bit of research using the search forum but wanted to follow up some more. I have an idea of how to go about this but would like to hear those who have done it, pros and cons.

What do you consider to be the most effective fuel cutoff mechanism in the event of an accident, mild impact to rollover. The kind of thing that never happens to you but one day does.

The wiring scenario I have laid out so far...electric fuel pump wired to an independent dash switch...dash switch is wired to the "on" position of the ignition key.

In the event of an accident what would you install to shut down fuel flow even though even though you may be knocked out.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by lineslinger

In the event of an accident what would you install to shut down fuel flow even though even though you may be knocked out.

Lineslinger, they are called fuel cut-off inertia switches and a lot, if not most, of the new cars have them. They are usually mounted in the trunk somewhere and your owners manual will have a proviso that says "blah, blah, blah if you hit a big bump or pot hole and your car won't run, it is possible your fuel cutoff inertia switch has been activated. Reset it by hitting the red button in the corner of your trunk, blah, blah, blah." You could adapt almost any OEM FCO Inertia Switch to fit your Cobra line.

[bobcowan]

I initially installed the inertia switch on my car. But, hard launches or hard braking (on the track) would trip the switch. I had to remove it.

I'm using an aftermarket computer. If the rpm's drop below 200, the fuel pump is cut off. I also have the master switch wired into the positive side of the battery and the alternator feed. Flipping the switch kills everything.

[patrickt]

... like this http://www.smartracingproducts.com/p...uelshutoff.pdf I have no personal experience with inertia switches other than OEM stuff (which I've never had go off either). But I do know that some of the higher end racing cars have them.

[Rick Parker]

Mechanical Fuel Pump, if you're running carb(s).

[RodgerH]

I'm using an engine oil pressure switch wired in series with the fuel pump relay.

Rodger

[Gaz64]

Originally Posted by RodgerH

I'm using an engine oil pressure switch wired in series with the fuel pump relay.

Rodger

Same here with manual override in the cabin for refilling the carbs after overhaul or long parkup.

[DAVID GAGNARD]

Originally Posted by lineslinger

I have done a fair bit of research using the search forum but wanted to follow up some more. I have an idea of how to go about this but would like to hear those who have done it, pros and cons.

What do you consider to be the most effective fuel cutoff mechanism in the event of an accident, mild impact to rollover. The kind of thing that never happens to you but one day does.

The wiring scenario I have laid out so far...electric fuel pump wired to an independent dash switch...dash switch is wired to the "on" position of the ignition key.

In the event of an accident what would you install to shut down fuel flow even though even though you may be knocked out.

I know a number of drag racers that have their electric fuel pump wired to an oil pressure switch and you could also add a master cut-off switch on your dash where you could easily reach it and cut off all eletrical power in case of fire/emergency......... the latter would be the easiest, both would be the safest.........

David

[RICK LAKE]

lineslinger Your ideas are all good but here's the problem, IF the car stays on it's wheels the gas stays in the carb. No major problem Kill the ignition and hope the motor is not too hot to light the gas in the carb. Depending on the carb and if it has vents, you can hose them together and be in pretty good shape.
Roll over is a whole big problem, any oil or gas lines break and a hot motor, you are getting a fire. Your safety equipment is the most important thing at this point. A 10 pound Halon system will give you about 10-15 second to get out of the car.
Master kill switch will help, I like the push, pull switch over the turn switch, easier to hit it in a bad accident. This will help to a certain point but you still will have fuel pressure in the lines between the carb and fuel pump 5-6 psi. maybe 4-8oz of gas. Oil lines also with pressure.
If you are going to race, buying the best nomex suit, underwear,helmet with Hans brace, shoes, and gloves will give you the best chace of coming out in 1 piece. Rick L.