March 79SV remove Fuel cell bladder

[Kaechele]

Hi, I bought a March 79SV last year and I'm currently preparing it for a new HTP. Belts, fire extinguisher are already checked and ok. The fuel cell is a FT3 type and needs to be exchanged since it is from 2004. Can anybody help me with hints how to remove the cell bladder without opening the rivets from the monocoque?
I have removed an aluminum plate from the back side of the right sidepod - I can see the bladder but it doesn't seem to fit through the opening. Any clues?
I can see and access the connection from the fuel cell to the collector/catch tank.
Or is it possible to get a certificate without removing the bladder?
Thanx
Volker

[marchsv]

When I removed the cell from chassis 79sv03 I cut a hole in the back of the cell just under the size of the panel pulled the foam out then collapsed the cell and pulled it out.

Best of luck
Tom

[Steve Demeter]

I hate it when a cell is in a riveted in box. Had to take two out that were like that. Cutting hole was not an option so out came the drill and stops.

[Kaechele]

Tom: Thank you for the info, I suspected that .....
Steve: yes, it would hurt me, too. Because it is all working and no leaks.
So the drill thing might be an option. I'll have to contact Conti first if they can deliver a new bladder.
It's just that FIA requires a certified cell for the HTP.
Thanks for the quick response, Volker

[fletch]

So I have had my fuel cell out on my March 79v multiple times over the years. The best procedure for me was using a vacuum pump and collapsing it down on size.
You still have to fight it a bit but it's do able.
The last time I had it out for inspection I enlarged the opening at the end of the tub ( towards the center of the chassis) and fabricated a new larger cover panel which makes life much easier.
Fletch
March 79V

[Bob L.]

2X on vacuum, I used a shop vac on my Tiga S2.... Vac on new one too. Used baby talc. on outside of new one to aid installation. Had access plate located in new cel to sit opposite the cover plate in tub, put foam in after cel was in tub.

Another hint: reverse vac. to blow cel up once in tub.

Okie

[fletch]

I wouldn't use a shop vac on a used cell, as I have heard horror stories about the fuel vapor from the cell being ignited by the sparks from the shop vac motor brushes.
Fletch
March 79V

[rickb99]

I hear the talk about using a vacuum to suck it down and get it out but, I don't see any news about how to get it (and the foam- pack chunks I assume) back in?? Do you suck the new one down and stuff it?

[fletch]

Yes, I also use vacuum and talc to reinstall the cell and also tape the tub opening edges to protect the cell from sharp edges.
Fletch
March 79V

[stonebridge20]

From personal experience with a shop vac trying to remove the cell (that had fuel vapor in it) from my 78B many moons ago. DO NOT USE A SHOP VAC. I blew myself across a 2 car garage and out the door using that method, twice!

New cell that has never had fuel in it, different story!

[Bob L.]

Quite right on issue with arc and fumes.... Have heard of boat guys doing stuff like that.

I was speaking of installing a new cell. Sorry, to mislead anyone...

Bob L.

[Roland V. Johnson]

An air powered siphon gun works (no sparks) for both removal and install.

[dereklola]

Fletch - can you post a pic of the enlarged "hole" at the rear of your tub? Seems like a good idea and I'll be installing two in mine (one LHS, one RHS for enduros) in the near future. I just can't imagine how much extra space you got. Thx - Derek