Sylvie Willis
Fuel lines are an essential component of a car's fuel system, delivering fuel from the tank to the engine. When it comes to the placement of fuel lines, there are several important considerations and regulations to ensure safety and functionality. One key concern is keeping the fuel lines away from the wheels and tires to prevent potential damage and interference. This is especially crucial in the event of a flat tire or wheel detachment, where fuel lines should not be part of the mess. Additionally, heat from the engine and exhaust system poses a significant risk, and fuel lines must be kept at a safe distance or protected with heat shields to prevent fire hazards.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Fuel lines should be kept away from moving parts like driveshafts, CV axles, wheels, and steering components. |
| Heat | Fuel lines should be kept away from heat sources to prevent vapor lock or fire. A heat shield or sleeve should be added for lines near a heat source, with a minimum distance of 6 inches. |
| Protection | Bulkhead fittings or grommets should be used when passing through a panel to protect the line. Return lines should follow the pressure line back to the tank. |
| Flexibility | Using flexible fuel hose to connect at the engine and the tank can isolate vibration and movement, making it easier to drop the tank. |
| Material | Steel lines are generally safer than rubber hoses, especially inside the driver's compartment. |
| Connections | Connections should be made in sealed fuel cell and engine compartments, away from the driver's compartment. |
| Routing | Fuel lines can be routed through the car, but certain lines are permitted. Regulations vary based on the organization and vehicle type. |
| Filters | Filters should be mounted in accessible locations and can be placed under the bonnet, in the boot, or inside the car away from the passenger compartment. |
| Regulations | Various organizations, such as NHRA, IHRA, and MSA, have specific regulations regarding fuel line routing, materials, and protection. |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel lines should be kept away from the wheels and tires
When running fuel lines through the car, it is important to note that only certain lines are permitted. Goodridge 200 hose is porous and will allow petrol vapour to fill the car, whereas Goodridge 811 hose can be used inside the car. It is also important to note that fuel lines should not be placed inside the passenger compartment under any circumstances. This is because fuel lines in the passenger compartment are either completely banned or need specific protection. Per NHRA and IHRA rules, fuel lines inside the car need to be sealed from the passenger compartment.
When routing fuel lines, it is important to first figure out where various components such as the fuel pump and filter(s) will be mounted. The lines should be mounted as high as possible to keep them away from any potential scrub line interference. The lines should also be kept away from moving parts like driveshafts, CV axles, steering components, and the drivetrain of the car. In particular, fuel lines should not be routed in the driveshaft tunnel or through any frame member on any car.
To protect the fuel lines, bulkhead fittings or grommets should be used when passing through a panel. Return lines should follow the pressure line back to the tank. If using hard lines, it is recommended to use a flexible fuel hose to connect at the engine and the tank. This will isolate vibration and movement and make it easier to remove the tank in the future.
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Fuel lines should be kept away from heat sources
When it comes to the placement of fuel lines in a car, there are several important factors to consider. Firstly, fuel lines should be kept away from heat sources. Engines produce a significant amount of heat, particularly in the exhaust system and headers. Proximity to heat sources can lead to an increase in fuel temperature, causing the fuel to become more vaporous and less dense. This can create pressure within a closed system, resulting in fuel-flow irregularities and a potential lean issue that may lead to detonation and decreased horsepower.
To address this issue, automotive heat shields and fuel line insulation are highly recommended. Heatshield Products, for instance, offers FR Fuel Rail Heat Shields™ that wrap around the fuel rails, shielding them from radiated heat in the engine compartment. This helps maintain efficient fuel injector spray patterns and optimal fuel-air mixtures within the cylinder, ensuring the vehicle's horsepower is not compromised.
Additionally, it is crucial to keep fuel lines away from moving parts such as driveshafts, CV axles, wheels, and steering components. This consideration not only reduces the risk of physical damage to the fuel lines but also helps to maintain the integrity of the fuel system. In the event of a flat tire or wheel departure, having the fuel line involved could lead to a potential mess and safety hazard.
While it is generally recommended to keep fuel lines away from the driver's compartment, if they must be present, strict control over their location and material is necessary. Rubber hoses, for example, are not suitable for fuel lines running through the driver's compartment. Instead, a steel line with no connections is preferable, secured with cushion clamps to ensure safety.
Furthermore, when laying out the fuel system, it is advisable to first determine the placement of components such as the fuel pump and filter(s). This can influence the routing of the fuel lines to and from these components, ensuring they are well-protected and easily accessible for servicing. Overall, by considering heat sources, moving parts, and strategic component placement, one can effectively design a fuel line setup that prioritizes safety, performance, and maintainability.
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Fuel lines should be kept away from the driver/passenger compartment
Secondly, fuel lines inside the car can be more susceptible to damage. For example, a passenger could kick or knock against the fuel line, potentially causing a leak. Additionally, the driver and passenger compartments of a car are typically not designed to accommodate fuel lines, which can make it challenging to route the lines safely and effectively.
Furthermore, fuel lines should be kept away from heat sources, as this can lead to vapor lock or fire. Engines, exhaust systems, and headers generate significant heat, and it is crucial to maintain a safe distance between fuel lines and these components. While heat shields or sleeves can be used as a protective measure, it is still advisable to maintain a sufficient distance between fuel lines and heat sources.
Another important consideration is the need for servicing. Fuel filters, for instance, should be mounted in easily accessible locations. By keeping the fuel lines away from the driver/passenger compartment, it becomes easier to perform maintenance and repairs on the fuel system.
Finally, regulations and rules often prohibit or restrict the presence of fuel lines in the driver/passenger compartment. Various racing organizations have specific guidelines that must be adhered to when designing and constructing a vehicle. These rules may include requirements for materials, routing, and protection of fuel lines to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers. Therefore, it is essential to refer to the specific regulations applicable to your vehicle and intended use when determining the appropriate routing of fuel lines.
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Fuel lines should be kept away from moving parts
In terms of placement, fuel lines can be routed through the car, but only certain types of lines. For example, Goodridge 200 hose is porous and will allow petrol vapour to fill the car, while the Goodridge 811 hose can be used inside the car. Fuel lines should not be routed in the driveshaft tunnel, and fuel tanks must be isolated from the driver's compartment by a firewall.
When mounting fuel lines, it is important to consider the need for servicing. For example, the filter should be mounted in a spot where it can be easily accessed. It is also important to consider the layout of the fuel system, including the fuel pump and filter(s). In one example, a feed line was run from the filter to the engine, and a return line was fabricated. The lines were mounted as high as possible to keep them away from any potential scrub line interference.
Overall, it is crucial to follow safety guidelines when routing fuel lines and to consider the potential risks associated with moving parts and heat sources.
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Fuel lines should be kept away from the drivetrain
It is important to keep fuel lines away from moving parts like driveshafts, CV axles, wheels, and steering components. This is because, in the event of a flat tire or a wheel falling off, you do not want the fuel line to be part of the mess. In addition, engines produce a lot of heat, especially by the exhaust system and headers, and fuel lines should be kept away from heat sources to avoid vapor lock or fire.
Fuel lines in the passenger compartment are either completely banned or need some kind of specific protection. For example, a bulkhead is required between the driver's compartment and the fuel cell compartment. No rubber hose for fuel should run through the driver's compartment. Instead, a steel line with no connections should run through the compartment, secured with cushion clamps.
Fuel tanks must also be isolated from the driver's compartment by a firewall, completely sealed to prevent any fuel from entering the driver's compartment. All fuel tanks must have a pressure cap and be vented outside of the body. A positive-locking screw-on fuel tank cap is mandatory on all open-bodied cars.
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Frequently asked questions
Fuel lines are allowed inside the car but only under certain conditions. For example, the NHRA Rule Book states that fuel lines must be isolated from the driver's compartment by a subfloor or housing when the engine is located in the rear and the fuel tank is located in front of the driver. Additionally, fuel lines inside the car must be completely sealed from the passenger compartment and have no unions visible.
The fuel filter should not be placed inside the passenger compartment under any circumstances. It is recommended to mount the fuel filter outside of the crush zone, such as under the bonnet or in the boot.
Yes, there are regulations that vary depending on the type of vehicle. For example, for rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicles, fuel tanks, lines, pumps, and valves must be outside of the driver's compartment and within the confines of the frame and/or steel body. Cool cans and fuel distribution blocks must be located at least 6 inches forward of the flywheel/bell housing area.
It is important to keep fuel lines away from moving parts such as driveshafts, CV axles, wheels, and steering components. Additionally, fuel lines should be kept at least 6 inches away from heat sources to prevent vapor lock or fire.
