Fuel Tank Inspection

BI-FUEL MODELS ONLY

1. Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Maintenance/Service and Repair.

NOTE: The procedure is an in-vehicle, visual inspection for liquid propane fuel tanks. A 5-year/80, 470-km (50,000-mile) (whichever occurs first) inspection interval is assumed.

2. Examine the vehicle underbody and chassis in the general area near the fuel tank(s) for any indication of collision damage, malfunction, fire or excessive mud/dirt accumulation.
3. Examine the fuel tank stone/heat shield for any indication of collision damage, malfunction, fire or excessive mud/dirt accumulation.
4. Remove the fuel tank stone/heat shield.
5. Examine the fuel tank(s) and the stone/heat shield interior for any foreign objects (such as stones or gravel) or foreign materials (such as mud, salt, liquids or chemical residue).
6. Remove any foreign material using only a clean, dry cloth. Remove all foreign objects. Do not use water or any cleaners.
7. Examine the fuel tank labels for the tank expiration date. Use a light and mirror to access labels hidden from normal view. If the expiration date has been exceeded, condemn the tank using the procedure in Step 12.
8. Inspect the tank sidewall and dome ends for the following:
^ abrasions
^ dents
^ cracks or gouges in the dome end or sidewall
^ rust
^ fire or heat damage, such as charring or discoloration
9. If the tanks have been or are suspected of having been exposed to a corrosive chemical spill, the tank must be removed from the vehicle for further inspection. If there is any indication of chemical attack, such as blistering, the tank(s) must be condemned and replaced with new tank(s). If there is any question what constitutes a condemned tank, contact the tank manufacturer.
10. The metal tank and external inspection criteria are as follows:
^ Rust, abrasions or dents: Tanks with dents to the metal surface that are excessive must be removed from service and condemned. If there is any question what constitutes a condemned tank, contact the tank manufacturer.
^ Gouges: Tanks with sharp gouges penetrating the coating and into the metal liner must be removed from service and condemned. If there is any question what constitutes a condemned tank, contact the tank manufacturer.
^ Fire or heat damage: Tanks suspected of fire or heat damage must be removed from service and condemned. If there is any question what constitutes a condemned tank, contact the tank manufacturer.
11. Condemned tanks, whether due to damage or expiration, shall be removed from the vehicle and destroyed as follows:
1 Evacuate and remove the fuel tanks.
2 Purge the tank with compressed air for 30 seconds.
3 Destroy the fuel tank by drilling a 12.7-mm (0.5-inch) diameter hole in the fuel tank sidewall.
12. Inspection Record: Record the date, vehicle mileage and the results of the fuel tank inspection.