fuel line issue?

[TheUnixKid]

Hi,

We had originally run the fuel line for our Sumo along and up the chassis rail to the fuel pump which was then attached with rubber fuel hose. However once we got the car on the ground we found that (by jumping up and down on the back of the car to simulate bumps!) the wheel could potentially hit the pipe and might break it.

After that we changed the line runs and routed it through the hole in the chassis and out of the top of the chassis (using grommets where it entered and left) as per the picture. However I was wondering if anyone had tried this before and passed the SVA with this setup? I'm a bit worried that the suspension arm could hit the fuel line. We got lots of people to jump on the back and the suspension didn't get closer than two inches and it seems a lot less likely to be a problem than the original tyre problem. This way makes the fuel line a lot more protected than any other way I've seen it, hopefully we don't have to change it again!

The pipe comes out of the hole at the top of the picture and I don't mind cutting the body if it gets in the way. It's arriving on Friday so I should be able to check!


Thanks in advance,

John

[mylesdw]

Not sure how helpful this is, but the sva style regs that we have here in NZ say something about the pipework having to be visible so that it can be easily inspected, so routing it through closed sections might be frowned upon. That said, what you have done looks quite neat and is as you say well protected and the length involved is short so it's proabably down to the Herr Inspector...

[TheUnixKid]

Good point! The likelihood of finding a lenient SVA inspector is highly unlikely, I think I'll consult the SVA manual! Thanks for your comments

[TheUnixKid]

I just checked the UK SVA and there is no mention of this. It does say that it might fail if it comes into contact with a moving part of the car, but does not mention anything about it being visible.

[gwak76]

If you think about it the fuel line runs through the space between body and chassis from front to rear, mine is sealed at both ends, the pipe enters and exits through grommets, Mr SVA was happy with this.

My fuel pipe follows the same route as yours but on the outside of the chassis, I have never had a clearance issue. I did notice from the photo you are using the mid point for the outer suspension point. This will cause negative camber and may be the reason your fuel pipe was close to the tyre, the lower point sits the wheels a little more upright and increases the chassis tyre clearance.

[TheUnixKid]

Very good point! I wonder how difficult that'll be to fix? We had wondered about the camber but that that would be solved when we have it set up properly. I'll look into it! This forum is far superior to anything in the manual.

[steamyrotter]

Also can you prove the pipe is fixed at the required intervals through the internal section?

[Revets]

Why not give your local SVA centre a call and ask them? They're usually pretty helpful.
If they're not sure from your description, take some photos and drop in to see them.

Also helps to establish a rapport with the tester who you can ask to have (or maybe avoid!!) when it comes to the dreaded test.

Steve

[TheUnixKid]

sounds like a good idea! I'll give them a ring tomorrow. Thanks guys