Safety With the Fuel System



Keep these 12 safety precautions in mind when working with the fuel system.

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1.  Gasoline is very toxic and dangerous to the skin
     and eyes.  Always wear OSHA-approved safety
     glasses and correct clothing to protect your skin
     from gasoline.

2.  Before working with the fuel system, disconnect
     the battery so there is no possibility of producing
     a spark that could ignite gasoline.

3.  Never remove a fuel filter when the engine is at
     operating temperature.  When you remove the
     filter, gasoline could spill onto the hot manifold and
     possibly cause a fire.  Let the engine cool down
     before working on the fuel system.

4.  When checking the fuel pump pressure, make sure
     there is no electrical spark that could ignite the
     fumes of the open container of gasoline being used.

5.  Avoid welding on or near the fuel tank. Remove
     the fuel tank and take it to a street rod repair shop
     equipped to handle this service.

6.  When checking the electrical components in the
     fuel system, always use a low voltage battery-
     operated tester to eliminate any sparks.  Sparks
     could cause a fire if near gasoline fumes.


Back to Safety

7.  When working on fuel injection systems, be sure
     to relieve the fuel pressure while the engine is off. 

8.  Always keep an approved fire extinguisher nearby
     (with a Class B rating) when working on the fuel
     system.

9.  Never clean any street rod parts with gasoline.

10. Never smoke in or around a street rod workshop
      area.

11. Always be aware of the possibility of spontaneous
      combustion.  When oil or gasoline-soaked rags
      are left in a pile, they may ignite due to
      spontaneous combustion. Always make sure that
      such rags are stored in an approved, sealed,
      fireproof container.  Spontaneous combustion
      does happen. 

12.  Never use a trouble light with an exposed bulb
       when working on the fuel system.  If the bulb
       were to break, it could ignite either the fuel
       or the fuel vapors.