15.0 — Lab Examination No. 11
Fuel System Static Pressure Test
A fuel system is tested by performing the following
procedures in the following order:
(a) Fill the portion of the system that is
between the fuel inlet and the fill and vent fitting on
the boat with air or inert gas to the greater of the following
pressures:
(1) Three PSIG.
(2) One and one-half items the pressure created at the
lowest point in the fuel system when the fill or vent
line, whichever is lower in height, is filled to its top
with fuel.
(b) Read the pressure. The pressure is measured
by a calibrated pressure gauge with a pressure range not
exceeding three times the test pressure required by this
paragraph or by a manometer.
(c) Wait at least five minutes and thereafter
wait one additional minute for each 10-gallon increment,
or fraction thereof, in the tank’s capacity greater
than 50 gallons.
(d) Read the pressure in accordance with paragraph
(b) of this section. A pressure drop measured at the end
of the time required by paragraph (c) of this section is
due to leakage.
(e) If no pressure drop is measured by the
manometer or pressure gauge, then while the system remains
pressurized, examine each fuel fitting, joint, and connection
except each connection at fill and vent fittings for leaks,
using a leak detection method other than the pressure drop
method.
