
Fuel Safe Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
We are headquartered in Redmond, Oregon.
Our single facility is 93,000 square feet and houses sales, engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
Don’t know exactly what you need?
Contact our experienced sales engineers to help get you into the right fuel cell and set up with an optimized fuel system.
Our customer support is available Monday to Thursday: 6am-5pm PST.
Average response time: One Business Day
Frequently Asked Questions
General info: What a safety fuel cell is, why you’d use one, who uses them, and core guidelines
A safety fuel cell is a system designed to keep fuel contained and controllable—both for performance and crash safety. It consists of:
- Bladder (bag tank): flexible, fuel‑resistant container that prevents spills in a crash.
- Foam baffling: limits slosh, reduces aeration/flashback, and helps maintain shape.
- Fill plate: provides the fill opening plus ports (vent, outlet, return) and rollover protection.
- Container/can: rigid enclosure that protects the bladder and mounts the assembly in the vehicle.
Why use one?
Improved safety (retains fuel even when deformed/impacted) and more consistent performance (controlled slosh so pumps see steady fuel at low levels and in high‑G).
Who uses these?
From drag, sprint, off‑road, road race, rally and vintage programs to marine, aerospace, defense, and industrial applications—any platform where safety and reliable fuel delivery matter.
Core use & care guidelines
- Avoid fuel additives and harsh chemicals; don’t store fuel long‑term in the cell.
- Store cool/dry/out of direct sun; inspect annually and replace foam if it becomes brittle.
- Route the vent up first to or above the highest fill point, then down—avoid sags; keep suction lines short and pumps at/below outlet height.
- Re‑torque hardware periodically and leak‑check after service. See Installation & Care for torque values.
Replacement Bladders: When do I need one and how does it work?
If your can is sound but the bladder is aged, out of certification, or damaged, a replacement bladder restores safety and performance without rebuilding the entire cell. Measure the inside of the can (L × W × H), confirm fuel type/ethanol content to select the correct bladder family, and decide whether to refresh foam and reuse your hardware (sender, pickup, fill plate) or upgrade those parts. If your series requires FIA compliance, check your label date and rules to decide between recertification and replacement.
This section covers:
- Measuring the can (what dimensions and photos to include)
- Choosing the right bladder material for your fuel
- Foam replacement guidance and compatibility
- Reusing senders/pickups/fill plates vs upgrading
- Lead times, RMAs, and what to send for evaluation
Custom Fuel Cells: When do I need a custom vs off‑the‑shelf cell?
Choose custom when fitment/space and mounting constraints, capacity, or series rules make standard sizes impractical. We’ll work from your dimensions, mounting constraints, and fuel choice, then spec bladder family, fill plate layout, baffles/collectors, vents, and sender. For most projects, a clear sketch or CAD plus photos of the bay/cage speeds us to a precise quote.
This section covers:
- When custom makes sense (fitment/space constraints, series rules, weight distribution)
- How to submit dimensions and drawings
- Fill, vent, return, and pickup planning
- Collector/surge design choices
- Typical timelines and approval steps
Certification & Recertification: Do I need a certified cell and how does Recert work?
Many sanctioned series require FIA-FT3 certification. New FT3 cells carry a 5‑year validity from date of manufacture.
If eligible, we can recertify for +2 years when the request arrives within 60 days of the original expiration (inspection/pressure test required). If the bladder is aged, fuel‑damaged, or fails inspection, we’ll recommend repair or replacement instead.
This section covers:
- How to read the FIA label and “Not Valid After” date
- Which series require certification (and how to confirm)
- Recert windows, eligibility, and what can/can’t be recertified
- Cost & process (RMA, inspection/pressure test, outcomes)
- When replacement is safer than recert
Product Lines: Which Fuel Safe line fits my fuel and racing application?
Choose by fuel type, series requirement, and duty cycle:
- Enduro: FIA‑FT3 certified (5‑year validity); for sanctioned racing requiring certification.
- Pro Cell: Robust bladder for higher ethanol content (e.g., up to E85) and demanding use.
- Sportsman / Race Safe: Durable options for pump gas (e.g., up to E15) and club/track day use.
Match the bladder family to your fuel blend first; then dial in capacity, packaging, and accessories.
This section covers:
- Fuel compatibility by line (gasoline, ethanol blends)
- Typical use cases by line (club, pro, endurance)
- Capacity and packaging trade‑offs
- When to step up from Sportsman to Pro Cell or Enduro
Installation & Care: What should I check to maximize performance and lifespan?
Correct install and routine care prevent starvation, cavitation, and premature wear. Mount the cell securely, route the vent up first to or above the highest fill point then down to atmosphere, keep suction lines short and at/below pump inlets, and torque hardware to spec. Inspect foam annually (more often with high‑alcohol fuels) and store cool/dry/out of UV.
This section covers:
- Vent routing best practices and rollover valves
- Leak testing, torque checks, and gasket care
- Pump placement to avoid cavitation
- Foam inspection, service indicators, and replacement
- Off‑season storage and fuel handling
Accessories: Which add‑ons help with fueling consistency and accuracy?
Accessories solve common fueling challenges:
- Collectors/Surge tanks keep fuel around the pickup in high‑G corners.
- HydraMat wicks fuel across a large surface to reduce starvation at low levels.
- Senders: match ohms to your gauge and choose the correct length (usually 1/4–1 in shorter than can depth).
- Vents/Filters: size and route to support flow and safety.
This section covers:
- When to use a collector vs HydraMat (or both)
- Sender selection: length and ohm ranges
- Filter/vent sizing and placement basics
- Troubleshooting low‑level cut‑out and slosh
Foam: How long does it last and when should I replace it?
Foam life depends on fuel type, time, and storage. As a rule, inspect annually (more frequently with high‑alcohol fuels). If a pinch‑pull test causes the foam to crumble or shed excessively, replace it. Replace foam any time the cell is opened for major service or after contamination events.
This section covers:
- Inspection cadence and signs of degradation
- Compatibility by fuel type
- Replacement guidelines and what to order
- Disposal and safety notes
Ordering & Lead Times: What should I expect?
Stock items ship quickly; recertifications typically require 3–4 weeks for inspection and processing. Custom timelines vary with design complexity.
For repairs/recerts, request an RMA and include photos, serial, and a description of the issue to speed evaluation.
Lead times vary based on product / fuel cell capacities. Refer to the lead times noted for each product.
Warranty: What’s covered and when does it start?
Coverage follows our Limited Warranty. Note: industry standards often reference date of manufacture (stenciled/label on the bladder) for certain timelines. We’ll evaluate any claim promptly—our goal is to get you back on track safely.
This section covers:
- What’s covered vs wear/consumables
- How to start a warranty claim (info to provide)
- Evaluation steps and typical outcomes
- Preventive maintenance that protects coverage
Sponsorships & Teams
We partner selectively with teams and programs that align with our products and audience. If you’re seeking support, share your series, schedule, community reach, and technical needs so we can evaluate fit.
This section covers:
- What we look for in partnerships
- How to apply and what to include
- Typical timelines and response windows
- Support types we offer

Fuel Safe Systems
Aircraft Rubber Manufacturing
dba Fuel Safe Systems
1550 NE Kingwood Ave
Redmond, OR 97756
Tel: (541) 923-6005
Fax: (541) 923-6015
Toll Free: (800) 433-6524
Contact: sales@fuelsafe.com
Products
1550 NE Kingwood Ave
Redmond, OR 97756
Tel: (541) 923-6005
Fax: (541) 923-6015
Toll Free: (800) 433-6524
Contact: sales@fuelsafe.com
Monday - Thursday:
6:00AM - 5:00PM (PST)
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