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| HARMON Racing Cells "Competitive Prices and Exceptional Service" |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
- Here are some of the more common questions we get from our customers concerning everything from
what a fuel cell is, to what equipment is best, to what the difference is between the different types of fuel
cells on the market.
what a fuel cell is, to what equipment is best, to what the difference is between the different types of fuel
cells on the market.
What is a fuel cell?
- A fuel cell consists of two main components; the outer can and the internal bladder. The outer can is usually made of
aircraft-grade aluminum or steel, depending on the application and location of the fuel cell. The bladder consists of layers of a
type of high grade, protective plastic that is coated on a ballistic nylon cloth. Fuel cells are designed to absorb an impact while
preventing any fuel spills. They've become standard safety features for NASCAR, high-speed watercraft racing, and off-road
and vintage sports car racing.
- A fuel cell consists of two main components; the outer can and the internal bladder. The outer can is usually made of
aircraft-grade aluminum or steel, depending on the application and location of the fuel cell. The bladder consists of layers of a
type of high grade, protective plastic that is coated on a ballistic nylon cloth. Fuel cells are designed to absorb an impact while
preventing any fuel spills. They've become standard safety features for NASCAR, high-speed watercraft racing, and off-road
and vintage sports car racing.
What are the different types of fuel cells?
- There are two main divisions that fuel cells are classified into; Military or Law Enforcement and the more common
Commercial division, which includes racing. Within this we've organized commercial fuel cells into three main classes; Class 1,
Class 2, and Class 3.
Class 3 fuel cells are usually made of cast or pressure-molded plastic and are specifically for enthusiasts, not racers. As they
have no tear resistance or flexibility they are not recommended for use in high speed vehicles. Common manufacturers include
JAZZ, ATL, and RCI, to name a few.
Class 2 fuel cells are made resin-coated nylon that is cut to shape and "glued" together. They're designed for enthusiasts and
budget racers to bridge the gap between Class 3 type and Class 1 type fuel cells. Common manufacturers include ATL, RCI,
and Fuel Safe.
Class 1 fuel cells are the highest quality fuel cells available to the general public. Consisting of ballistic nylon and a stronger
resin these cells are designed for high-speed racing and generally last longer than Class 2 and 3 cells. Common manufacturers
include Fuel Safe and Harmon Racing Cells.
- There are two main divisions that fuel cells are classified into; Military or Law Enforcement and the more common
Commercial division, which includes racing. Within this we've organized commercial fuel cells into three main classes; Class 1,
Class 2, and Class 3.
Class 3 fuel cells are usually made of cast or pressure-molded plastic and are specifically for enthusiasts, not racers. As they
have no tear resistance or flexibility they are not recommended for use in high speed vehicles. Common manufacturers include
JAZZ, ATL, and RCI, to name a few.
Class 2 fuel cells are made resin-coated nylon that is cut to shape and "glued" together. They're designed for enthusiasts and
budget racers to bridge the gap between Class 3 type and Class 1 type fuel cells. Common manufacturers include ATL, RCI,
and Fuel Safe.
Class 1 fuel cells are the highest quality fuel cells available to the general public. Consisting of ballistic nylon and a stronger
resin these cells are designed for high-speed racing and generally last longer than Class 2 and 3 cells. Common manufacturers
include Fuel Safe and Harmon Racing Cells.
How do I know which fuel cell is right for me?
- To find the right fuel cell for your needs you must decide what conditions your going to be using it in. If you just want a bit
more protection for your fuel and don't plan on racing or trailblazing a Class 3 cell may be for your. For occasional off-roading
and moderate racing (less than 60 MPH) Class 2 cells will usually work. For racing or severe trailblazing, such as with buggies
and Pre-Runners, a Class 1 fuel cell is the safest and wisest bet. Although they are more expensive than Class 2 and 3 cells
their longevity, reliability, and ability to take a pounding they are sanctioned by all racing associations (whereas Class 2 and 3
cells may not be) and give absolute peace of mind for both racers and hardcore enthusiasts.
- To find the right fuel cell for your needs you must decide what conditions your going to be using it in. If you just want a bit
more protection for your fuel and don't plan on racing or trailblazing a Class 3 cell may be for your. For occasional off-roading
and moderate racing (less than 60 MPH) Class 2 cells will usually work. For racing or severe trailblazing, such as with buggies
and Pre-Runners, a Class 1 fuel cell is the safest and wisest bet. Although they are more expensive than Class 2 and 3 cells
their longevity, reliability, and ability to take a pounding they are sanctioned by all racing associations (whereas Class 2 and 3
cells may not be) and give absolute peace of mind for both racers and hardcore enthusiasts.
Do you guys know how long all these cells last?
- Because we don't manufacture Class 2 or 3 fuel cells we cannot speak on their behalf, but, instead rely on the information and
experiences our customers have had. Each fuel cell is different and longevity depends on how well the cell is maintained and
what applications it's used in. Based off our experiences Class 3 cells last around 2-4 years, depending on how well they're
maintained. Class 2 cells are similar in life-expectancy to Class 3's but do last a bit longer, on average around 6 years.
However, their manufacturing process leaves them vulnerable to tears, cracks, and small leaks prematurely, especially when
used for off-roading. Pro-cells are the longest lasting and require the least amount of maintenance or repair. Although most
racing bodies require replacement of fuel cells after 5 years of use our cells typically last around 8-10 years before need of
major repair or replacement, although we have seen Class 1's up to 20 years old without leaks.
- Because we don't manufacture Class 2 or 3 fuel cells we cannot speak on their behalf, but, instead rely on the information and
experiences our customers have had. Each fuel cell is different and longevity depends on how well the cell is maintained and
what applications it's used in. Based off our experiences Class 3 cells last around 2-4 years, depending on how well they're
maintained. Class 2 cells are similar in life-expectancy to Class 3's but do last a bit longer, on average around 6 years.
However, their manufacturing process leaves them vulnerable to tears, cracks, and small leaks prematurely, especially when
used for off-roading. Pro-cells are the longest lasting and require the least amount of maintenance or repair. Although most
racing bodies require replacement of fuel cells after 5 years of use our cells typically last around 8-10 years before need of
major repair or replacement, although we have seen Class 1's up to 20 years old without leaks.
If I contact you, are you going to push me into a Class 1?
- In a perfect world every car, truck, boat, and plane would have a Class 1 because of their ability to save lives. That being
said, we do understand that a Class 1 is not always the most practical for people. If you're on a tight budget and don't plan on
racing we would possibly recommend a Class 2 or 3 cell, but for any off-road or racing conditions Class 1 cells are the way to
go. We've spent our first 10 years in business solely on word-of-mouth business and because we understand how difficult and
frustrating it can be looking for a fuel cell we're more than happy the help you out anyway we can.
- In a perfect world every car, truck, boat, and plane would have a Class 1 because of their ability to save lives. That being
said, we do understand that a Class 1 is not always the most practical for people. If you're on a tight budget and don't plan on
racing we would possibly recommend a Class 2 or 3 cell, but for any off-road or racing conditions Class 1 cells are the way to
go. We've spent our first 10 years in business solely on word-of-mouth business and because we understand how difficult and
frustrating it can be looking for a fuel cell we're more than happy the help you out anyway we can.
Can I buy parts from you guys directly, or do I have to purchase a fuel cell first?
- Recently, we decided to test this out. We have started a trial run of selling plates and fittings to see if this is something our
customers would want us to do or not, so please give us some feedback on how you like or don't like this option.
- Recently, we decided to test this out. We have started a trial run of selling plates and fittings to see if this is something our
customers would want us to do or not, so please give us some feedback on how you like or don't like this option.
What do I need to know when getting a quote?
- The only thing we really need from our customers to get an accurate quote is the desired gallonage, horsepower of the engine,
how you would like the pickup assembly built, and dimensions in which to fit the cell (when ordering custom cells). If your
ordering or getting a quote on one of our Ready to Install Units we need to know the horsepower of the engine in order to
provide the right fitting. If you have a custom design we would need a quick sketch or diagram of the cell before we could give
an accurate quote.
- The only thing we really need from our customers to get an accurate quote is the desired gallonage, horsepower of the engine,
how you would like the pickup assembly built, and dimensions in which to fit the cell (when ordering custom cells). If your
ordering or getting a quote on one of our Ready to Install Units we need to know the horsepower of the engine in order to
provide the right fitting. If you have a custom design we would need a quick sketch or diagram of the cell before we could give
an accurate quote.
What kind of warranty do you provide?
- All of our fuel cells come with a standard 5 year unconditional warranty against any leaks or tears not resulting from a crash
or collision. We are pretty lenient on our warranty so if you do have a leaky cell just bring it buy or ship it back and we'll make
sure it gets taken care of.
- All of our fuel cells come with a standard 5 year unconditional warranty against any leaks or tears not resulting from a crash
or collision. We are pretty lenient on our warranty so if you do have a leaky cell just bring it buy or ship it back and we'll make
sure it gets taken care of.
How long does it take to get a quote or a fuel cell?
- Quotes are usually completed within 24 hours of submission. Fuel cells are usually completed within 1-3 weeks, unless
specified otherwise. Ready to Install Units are built within 1 week if not in stock at time of order.
- Quotes are usually completed within 24 hours of submission. Fuel cells are usually completed within 1-3 weeks, unless
specified otherwise. Ready to Install Units are built within 1 week if not in stock at time of order.
How does payment work out?
- We usually require payment up front before any cell is built or shipped. We do allow exceptions and take them on a case by
case basis. Orders for parts or options, like collectors, may be paid for when received. Dealers may avoid payment until
delivery of the cell(s).
- We usually require payment up front before any cell is built or shipped. We do allow exceptions and take them on a case by
case basis. Orders for parts or options, like collectors, may be paid for when received. Dealers may avoid payment until
delivery of the cell(s).
Can I become a dealer?
- Check out our Dealer's Page to see all the requirements and benefits to being one of our dealers.
- Check out our Dealer's Page to see all the requirements and benefits to being one of our dealers.
I have a custom design for a fuel cell. How do I go about getting a quote?
- Custom designs are our specialty. Even though we do have a line of completed units and templates most of our customers
come to us with a custom design. To get a quote either e-mail us a picture, drawing, or 3D model of the design to
jim@harmonracingcells.com or print out our Quote Sheet, provide a quick sketch and desired equipment and options and fax it
to 949-470-9810.
- Custom designs are our specialty. Even though we do have a line of completed units and templates most of our customers
come to us with a custom design. To get a quote either e-mail us a picture, drawing, or 3D model of the design to
jim@harmonracingcells.com or print out our Quote Sheet, provide a quick sketch and desired equipment and options and fax it
to 949-470-9810.
Do I need a fuel cell?
- For your average driver a fuel cell is not necessary. However, anyone involved in racing or doing considerable off-road or
high speed driving should consider one. Knowing that your fuel will never spill and catch fire after a crash is worth the initial
investment.
- For your average driver a fuel cell is not necessary. However, anyone involved in racing or doing considerable off-road or
high speed driving should consider one. Knowing that your fuel will never spill and catch fire after a crash is worth the initial
investment.
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If I need a replacement bladder do I need to buy new hardware?
- No. We can refurbish old plates and use them again with your new bladder. Sometimes, however, hardware is beyond
repair due to extensive corrosion, as in marine applications, or are too far damaged to be safely used again. Plates are
inspected first to see if they can be refurbished for use again.
- No. We can refurbish old plates and use them again with your new bladder. Sometimes, however, hardware is beyond
repair due to extensive corrosion, as in marine applications, or are too far damaged to be safely used again. Plates are
inspected first to see if they can be refurbished for use again.
What is a Stat-o-Seal and what is it used for?
- A Stat-o-Seal is a steel washer with a rubber liner on the inside ring and is used with bulkhead adapters. We use them as
oppose to regular Nylon or Steel washers because of their durability and reliability. Unlike Nylon washers, Stat-o-Seals can be
used multiple times and do not damage easily when replacing or removing the fitting from the plate. Because of this they rarely
leak, as oppose to traditional Nylon washers.
- A Stat-o-Seal is a steel washer with a rubber liner on the inside ring and is used with bulkhead adapters. We use them as
oppose to regular Nylon or Steel washers because of their durability and reliability. Unlike Nylon washers, Stat-o-Seals can be
used multiple times and do not damage easily when replacing or removing the fitting from the plate. Because of this they rarely
leak, as oppose to traditional Nylon washers.
What kind of fittings/hardware do you use?
- We use the same size fittings, plates, and hardware as other fuel cell manufacturers in the industry, although we do sometimes
use different vendors. This makes most parts interchangeable and more convenient for our customers.
- We use the same size fittings, plates, and hardware as other fuel cell manufacturers in the industry, although we do sometimes
use different vendors. This makes most parts interchangeable and more convenient for our customers.
Why are your fuel cells typically cheaper than your competitors? Are they different?
- We produce the same type of Class 1 cells as other manufacturers. Our cells differ in their durability. Since most of our
customers are involved in off-road racing we make our bladders thicker than the industry standard. We use extra material to
help the bladder both keep its shape and give it increased tear and puncture resistance. We use the same materials and
tried-and-true methods that have been in the industry for decades and simply want to make our fuel cells as affordable and
accessible to as many people as possible.
- We produce the same type of Class 1 cells as other manufacturers. Our cells differ in their durability. Since most of our
customers are involved in off-road racing we make our bladders thicker than the industry standard. We use extra material to
help the bladder both keep its shape and give it increased tear and puncture resistance. We use the same materials and
tried-and-true methods that have been in the industry for decades and simply want to make our fuel cells as affordable and
accessible to as many people as possible.
What kind of repair work do you do?
- We only repair and recondition Class 1 cells, as they're the only ones that can be repaired. We can patch small punctures or
tears and replace any hardware and fittings, as well as offer replacement foam and cleaning services. We also cut and drill
bladders and cans to fit additional plates/fittings. Please contact us with any questions about repair or replacement services.
- We only repair and recondition Class 1 cells, as they're the only ones that can be repaired. We can patch small punctures or
tears and replace any hardware and fittings, as well as offer replacement foam and cleaning services. We also cut and drill
bladders and cans to fit additional plates/fittings. Please contact us with any questions about repair or replacement services.