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Fuel
Systems
Manufacturer Requirements
FEDERAL LAW
183.552 - Plastic encased fuel tanks:
Installation
(b) If a metallic fuel tank is encased
in cellular plastic or in fiber reinforced plastic,
water must not collect between the plastic and the surface
of the tank or be held against the tank by capillary
action.
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Encased metallic fuel tanks (only non-ferrous
tanks are permitted) might corrode in the presence of stagnant
moisture. This moisture could be held against a fuel tank
surface by tight fitting, slip-in foam blocks or other plastic
materials not bonded to the fuel tank surfaces (see 183.552(c)).
Unless the encasement materials are bonded
to the fuel tank surfaces, there must be an air space between
the fuel tank surface and the encasement materials to allow
water to run off. This space must be sufficient to prevent
water droplets from bridging the space and being held in place
by capillary action. One-fourth inch has proven satisfactory
in many installations; however, in installations where this
may be a problem, the installation should be evaluated.
Supports, chocks or straps and the insulation
material between these items and the fuel tank surface are
not included in this requirement (see 183.550(e)).
An intervening plastic film between the encasement materials
and the fuel tank surface does NOT meet the intent of this
requirement unless water is prevented from collecting against
the surface of the fuel tank.
TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW
- Is the fuel tank metallic?
- Is the fuel tank encased in foam or
fiberglass?
- Does the installation prevent water
from collecting between the plastic and the surface
of the fuel tank?
OR
- Does the installation prevent water
from being held against the surface of the fuel tank
by capillary action?
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