(a)
Application of the rules in this section. The rules in this section
apply to systems for containing and supplying fuel for the operation of motor
vehicles or for the operation of auxiliary equipment installed on, or used in
connection with, motor vehicles.
(b)
Location. Each fuel system must be located on the motor vehicle so that
—
(b)(1) No part of the system extends beyond the widest part of the
vehicle;
(b)(2) No part of a fuel tank is forward of the front axle of a power
unit;
(b)(3) Fuel spilled vertically from a fuel tank while it is being
filled will not contact any part of the exhaust or electrical systems of the
vehicle, except the fuel level indicator assembly;
(b)(4) Fill pipe openings are located outside the vehicle's passenger
compartment and its cargo compartment;
(b)(5) A fuel line does not extend between a towed vehicle and the
vehicle that is towing it while the combination of vehicles is in motion; and
(b)(6) No part of the fuel system of a bus manufactured on or after
January 1, 1973, is located within or above the passenger compartment.
(c)
Fuel tank installation. Each fuel tank must be securely attached to the
motor vehicle in a workmanlike manner.
(d)
Gravity or syphon feed prohibited. A fuel system must not supply fuel by
gravity or syphon feed directly to the carburetor or injector.
(e)
Selection control valve location. If a fuel system includes a selection
control valve which is operable by the driver to regulate the flow of fuel from
two or more fuel tanks, the valve must be installed so that either —
(e)(1) The driver may operate it while watching the roadway and
without leaving his/her driving position; or
(e)(2) The driver must stop the vehicle and leave his/her seat in
order to operate the valve.
(f)
Fuel lines. A fuel line which is not completely enclosed in a protective
housing must not extend more than 2 inches below the fuel tank or its sump.
Diesel fuel crossover, return, and withdrawal lines which extend below the
bottom of the tank or sump must be protected against damage from impact. Every
fuel line must be —
(f)(1) Long enough and flexible enough to accommodate normal movements
of the parts to which it is attached without incurring damage; and
(f)(2) Secured against chafing, kinking, or other causes of mechanical
damage.
(g)
Excess flow valve. When pressure devices are used to force fuel from a
fuel tank, a device which prevents the flow of fuel from the fuel tank if the
fuel feed line is broken must be installed in the fuel system.
[36 FR 15445, Aug. 14,
1971, as amended at 37 FR 4341, Mar. 2, 1972; 37 FR 28752, Dec. 29, 1972].