§393.65 — All fuel systems
(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 — (1) No part of the system extends beyond the widest part of the vehicle; |
(2) No part of a fuel tank is forward of the front axle of a power unit; |
(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; |
(4) Fill pipe openings are located outside the vehicle's passenger compartment and its cargo compartment; |
(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 |
(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. |
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(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 — (1) The driver may operate it while watching the roadway and without leaving his/her driving position; or |
(2) The driver must stop the vehicle and leave his/her seat in order to operate the valve. |
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(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 — (1) Long enough and flexible enough to accommodate normal movements of the parts to which it is attached without incurring damage; and |
(2) Secured against chafing, kinking, or other causes of mechanical damage. |
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(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]
§393.65 — DOT Regulatory Guidance
Question 1: May a fuel fill pipe opening be placed above the passenger floor level if it is not physically within the passenger compartment? Guidance: Yes. In addition, the fill pipe may intrude into the passenger compartment as long as the fill pipe opening complies with §393.65(b)(4), and the fill pipe is protected by a housing or covering to prevent leakage of fuel or fumes into the passenger compartment.
Question 2: Must a motor vehicle that meets the definition of a "commercial motor vehicle" in §390.5 because it transports hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR parts 171-180) comply with the fuel system requirements of Subpart E of Part 393, even though it has a gross vehicle weight rating (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)) of 10,000 pounds or less? Guidance: No. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (developed and issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) FMVSS No.301 contains fuel system integrity requirements for passenger cars and multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses that have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less and use fuel with a boiling point above 0 deg. Celsius (32 deg. Fahrenheit). Subpart E of Part 393 was issued to provide fuel system requirements to cover motor vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 or more pounds. The fuel systems of placarded motor vehicles with a GVWR of less than 10,001 pounds are adequately addressed by FMVSS No. 301 and compliance with Subpart E of Part 393 would be redundant. However, commercial motor vehicles that are not covered by FMVSS No. 301 must continue to comply with Subpart E of Part 393.