1 Topic by mk1spyder (edited by mk1spyder 2010-09-15 12:02 PM)

  • Registered: 2010-08-24
  • Posts: 42

Topic: Fuel pump access hatch

3.18: Fuel Bulkhead: The fuel-tank area must be totally separated from the driving compartment. For example, if the fuel tank is in the trunk area, any openings between the trunk and the cockpit must be permanently sealed with bolted, riveted, or welded metal panels. OE fuel tanks that are separate from, and located completely below, the trunk floor or rear-cabin floor are acceptable.

Reading this rule literally it kind of crosses itself.  Because bolting something down isn't really permanent.  Do vehicles with fuel pump access hatches fail tech?

Alot of FWD vehicles have them under the rear seat and they're not technically permanent because you can simply unbolt them to access the pump/tank.  We have a fwd vehicle with an access hatch to the fuel pump.  Do we have to weld it shut or can we leave it hinged and bolted down like it is?

  • JMo
  • JMo
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  • Registered: 2010-02-27
  • Posts: 135

Re: Fuel pump access hatch

mine has a bolt-on access panel in the trunk. nobody mentioned it at Tech. almost every car is like that these days so you can access the pump without dropping the tank.

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3 Reply by BoB (edited by BoB 2010-09-15 12:55 PM)

  • BoB
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  • From: Elmhurst, IL
  • Registered: 2009-05-01
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Re: Fuel pump access hatch

I think bolted will suffice especially if it was that way from the factory.  If it is bolted it shouldn't easily swing open or fall off.

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  • From: Lost in the Rockies
  • Registered: 2009-10-06
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Re: Fuel pump access hatch

I think the real message they wanted to get across is "not just duck-taped down."

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5 Reply by Trevor57 (edited by Trevor57 2010-09-15 02:45 PM)

  • From: Wheaton IL
  • Registered: 2009-05-01
  • Posts: 408

Re: Fuel pump access hatch

mk1spyder wrote:

3.18: Fuel Bulkhead: The fuel-tank area must be totally separated from the driving compartment. For example, if the fuel tank is in the trunk area, any openings between the trunk and the cockpit must be permanently sealed with BOLTED, riveted, or welded metal panels.

Seems pretty straightforward.

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  • From: San Diego, CA
  • Registered: 2009-04-30
  • Posts: 1,640

Re: Fuel pump access hatch

As long as it's bolted/screwed down, you're okay.

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