Fuel tank removal (General information)

Fuel tank removal

Fuel Handling Precautions When the fuel line is secured to the fuel tank outlet by a spring steel clip, the clip must be released before Fuel vapour is highly flammable and in confined the fuel line is disconnected or the fuel tank is spaces is also explosive and toxic. The vapour is removed. This procedure will avoid the possibility of heavier than air and will always fall to the lowest fumes in the fuel tank being ignited when the clip is level. The vapour can be easily distributed released. throughout a workshop by air currents;

As an added precaution, fuel tanks should have a consequently, even a small spillage of fuel is

'FUEL VAPOUR' warning label attached to them as potentially very dangerous.

soon as they are removed from the vehicle. The following information provides basic precautions which must be observed if fuel is to be handled Fuel tank repairs - plastic tank safely. It also outlines other areas of risk which must No attempt should be made to repair a plastic fuel not be ignored. This information is issued for basic tank. If the structure of the tank is damaged, a new guidance only, if in doubt consult your local Fire tank must be fitted. Officer. Body repairs General Plastic fuel pipes are particularly susceptible to heat, Always have a fire extinguisher containing FOAM, even at relatively low temperature, and can be CO₂, GAS or POWDER close at hand when handling melted by heat conducted from some distance away. or draining fuel or when dismantling fuel systems.

When body repairs involve the use of heat, all fuel Fire extinguishers should also be located in areas

pipes which run in the vicinity of the repair area must where fuel containers are stored.

be removed, and the tank outlet plugged. Always disconnect the vehicle battery before

WARNING: If welding is to be carried out in the

carrying out dismantling or draining work on a fuel

vicinity of the fuel tank, the fuel system must be

system.

drained and the tank removed before welding

Whenever fuel is being handled, drained or stored, or commences. when fuel systems are being dismantled, all forms of ignition must be extinguished or removed; any leadlamps must be flameproof and kept clear of spillage.

WARNING: No one should be permitted to repair components associated with fuel without first having specialist training.

WARNING: Do not remove fuel system components while the vehicle is over a pit.

Fuel tank draining

Fuel tank draining should be carried out in accordance with the procedure outlined in the FUEL DELIVERY section of this manual and observing the following precautions.

WARNING: Fuel must not be extracted or drained from any vehicle while it is over a pit. Extraction or draining of fuel must be carried out in a well ventilated area.

The capacity of containers must be more than adequate for the amount of fuel to be extracted or drained. The container should be clearly marked with its contents and placed in a safe storage area which meets the requirements of local authority regulations.