N.J. Admin. Code § 13:62-4.17

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 13:62-4.17 - Fuel tanks

(a) The use of a commercially manufactured fuel cell is mandatory in all vehicles utilizing a cell size of five gallons or more. A rubber impregnated bladder is required on all smaller scale vehicles utilizing high density composite tail tanks carrying more than five gallons including, but not limited to: 270cc and 600cc Micro Sprint cars; 410, 360, 305, and SS Sprint cars; Three Quarter Midget (TQ) cars; and SpeedSTR cars.

(b) All fuel cells shall be comprised of a steel or aluminum container, bladder, anti-surge baffling, and fill plate with check valves (vent check and fill check).

1. The rigid container shall be manufactured of not less than 22 gauge steel or 16 gauge aluminum.

2. No baffling material other than standard foam baffling as provided by the fuel cell manufacturer shall be permitted.

3. Bladders shall be commercially manufactured of either soft rubber (rubberized fabric) or a molded cross-linked material. To prevent degradation of bladder adhesives within the fuel cell, only racing fuels that are deemed to be compatible with bladder and baffle materials and seam adhesives shall be used, in conformance with manufacturer specifications. Vehicles using elevated alcohol concentrations shall not use gasoline type fuel bladders.

4. Manufactured check valves shall be installed as a flow control device which closes during a "roll-over" accident to help prevent fuel escaping from the cell.

5. Any vehicle utilizing a tail tank shall use a rear bumper with a hoop plate, and it is recommended that a bladder also be utilized.

6. Fuel tanks shall not be mounted within the driver's compartment.

(c) All commercially manufactured fuel cell systems shall be approved for use by major sanctioning bodies (for example, NASCAR, FIA, SCCA, USAC).

(d) Except as set forth in (e) below, vehicles utilizing an "x" type frame work using a self-contained fuel cell with an inner bladder shall bolt the fuel cell to the frame under the cell. At least three one-inch metal straps 1/8 inch thick, shall be bolted to the frame of the vehicle by at least two 3/8 inch three line bolts positioned around the cell on all sides, except for the bottom, so as to apply maximum pressure against the tank to the frame.

(e) Vehicles not utilizing an "x" type frame shall have four one inch metal straps, 1/8 inch thick, bolted to the frame of the vehicle by at least two 3/8 inch three line bolts positioned around the cell on all sides, except for the bottom, to apply maximum pressure against the tank to the frame.

(f) A reinforcing member of the same kind and size material as that used in the roll cage of the chassis shall be installed to the rear of the fuel tank joining the rearmost portion of the chassis.

(g) A vehicle utilizing a fuel tank mounted to the front of the front fire wall shall have a reinforcing member of the same kind of material as that used in the roll cage or chassis installed to afford maximum protection to the tank.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:62-4.17

Amended by 46 N.J.R. 1885(a), effective 9/2/2014.