Need a baffled sump?

Post Mon Nov 17, 2008 9:37 pm

Wondered if some of you could help out.

We have just done the 5th trackday in our 325 at Donny (fantastic by the way)

On a couple of the very fast corners (craner curves and coppice) the oil light in the car flashed on. The oil does need a change tbh but the oil was full at regular checks throughout the day.

This has happened once before-at Oulton Park going into Cascades, a fast downhill left.

We have the suspicion that the car needs a baffled sump but would appreciate your thoughts.

On another (we think unrelated) note, the car has, on at least 3 of the 5 trackdays lacked power, generally at about 5k revs in 3rd gear, later in the afternoon. This appeared to be when the fuel tank was round about 1/2 full and seem to be resolved when we filled the tank. Does anyone have any experience of this and what have you done to resolve the issue? We now take a jerry can or two with us but may fit a custom fuel tank in the boot?

Appreciate your thoughts on these 2 matters. Thanks

Post Mon Nov 17, 2008 9:46 pm

By the sounds of it, yes a baffled sump would be a very wise investment.

The powerloss issue doesn't sound fuel related though. If you get fuel surge/starvation, you will know about it. The car really noticeably stutters when there is a momentary lapse in fuel delivery. If it were fuel surge I would expect it to be evident on bends when the fuel sloshes away from the fuel pump pick up, rather than a particular engine speed/gear selection.

Post Mon Nov 17, 2008 9:53 pm

1) Baffled sump is a must on a track car. Big end failure is a real possibility. Windage tray (scraper) can help but a baffled sump is a priority.

2) Most of the PBMW boys have suffered from fuel starvation when running less than full tanks. Swirl pot will cure this.

And now a shameless sponsor plug........... Nigel at http://www.weldsolutions.co.uk/motor_sport.php will be able to help you with the sump and the swirl pot. He can also do you a spare wheel well cover to mount your swirl pot on.

He also has a nice line in fuel tanks but I have a 20 odd litre alloy one that is now surplus to requirements. Foam filled with roll over valve. Knocking around my garage so if your interested....

I need to see him this week so if you pm me with your contact details I can pass them on.

Post Mon Nov 17, 2008 9:54 pm

put a wanted ad up in the sales/wanted section and secondly if its a track car full stop then i would go for a race tank anyway, but i dont see how half a tank would cause power probs, maybe the otherway round with a full tank causing less power beacuse of the weight. still there will be some one here that knows what to do and may have a solution

Post Mon Nov 17, 2008 9:58 pm

zimmer-320i wrote:put a wanted ad up in the sales/wanted section and secondly if its a track car full stop then i would go for a race tank anyway, but i dont see how half a tank would cause power probs, maybe the otherway round with a full tank causing less power beacuse of the weight. still there will be some one here that knows what to do and may have a solution

Fuel sloshing away from the pickup will cause fuel starvation. When I fitted my ATL tank it had to face the correct way so when accelerating or cornering the pickups would alway get fuel.

Post Mon Nov 17, 2008 10:13 pm

why not fit a pump on the near side, were the second fuel gadge is, im sure theres a way of using the 2 pin sensor on that side maybe brian may know that will sort the problem till you have a race tank

Post Mon Nov 17, 2008 10:21 pm

Spoke to Nigel and he has got a swirl pot. Baffled sump wouldn't take too long too make.

Post Mon Nov 17, 2008 10:29 pm

shorty73 wrote:1)

He also has a nice line in fuel tanks but I have a 20 odd litre alloy one that is now surplus to requirements. Foam filled with roll over valve. Knocking around my garage so if your interested....

Hey mate,

i could be quite interested in that tank if you're selling!

could you send me some pics if you have time, and also how much are you after for it?

Cheers!

Post Tue Nov 18, 2008 12:22 am

I've had two M20s suffer big-end bearing failure, both saw lots of track use. I can MIG weld alloy, but I'm not sure what to make and where to put it - any ideas?

Post Tue Nov 18, 2008 8:27 am

shorty73 wrote:Spoke to Nigel and he has got a swirl pot. Baffled sump wouldn't take too long too make.

Pm'd you.

Thanks

Post Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:03 am

If the pm was for me I never received it.

If it wasn't then I won't be offended!

Post Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:39 am

Strange

I;ve had a pm off Nigel @ Alloy so hoping he can sort it out.

Thanks for all advice, much appreciated

Post Wed Nov 19, 2008 5:04 pm

I told him a zoner was interested in some bits so he must of gone straight to you.

No worries, I hope you get it sorted.