I like to to think of the fuel system in three distinct parts that represent the three stages your fuel will go through:
1: Delivery, this is your fill pipe and associated hardware and plumbing.
2. Storage, this is your fuel tank and its associated hardware and plumbing.
3. Consumption, this stage includes the plumbing leading from your tank to the engine(s) (and back again if it is a diesel as any unburnt fuel will travel back to the tank in return lines) and all the associated hardware, plumbing, and filters.
What are you Looking For?
At the most basic level, in all three of these stages the fuel must be safely contained. This means checking for leaks and loose connections, or badly led hoses or lines. You also want to assess the condition of all components. Damage, corrosion, general poor care are causes for concern.
How to Look
Start at stage one if possible (the fuel fill can be hard to find) and follow the plumbing to the tank and from there to the engine(s) (and back if we are looking at a diesel) check for dampness or plumbing that smells of fuel. Look at each connection and see if it is secure. Don't neglect the engine itself: observe where the fuel is going into the engine, again looking for damp areas smelling of fuel. Check the pump connections and the fuel lines feeding the injectors (diesel). While you are checking for leaks make note of the condition of everything: are flexible fuel hoses clean and pliable? Or are they dirty, dry and cracked? Flexible fuel hose should also be of the proper type intended for use with fuel - they will be marked. If the fuel lines are steel or copper check for corrosion or damage.
The fuel tank is an expensive part of the system so pay close attention to its condition. It will likely require some agility and persistence to get a look, but make the effort to look closely for corrosion or damage, particularly on the bottom if it is viewable. In addition, the tank should be securely held in place and should be bonded if built of steel or aluminum.
Gasoline fuel systems require special attention due to the low flash point of the fuel vapours. It is very important the fuel system be leak free and well maintained. Ventilation from the engine and tank spaces is also important. Check for intact and secure ventilation hoses, and functioning ventilation fans.
Finally, check the filters. Do they look to be recently installed (they may have a date indicated) or have they been forgotten? Fresh filters are a good sign that basic maintenance is not being neglected.
Significant Findings
Leaks.
Corroded tank.
Non-approved fuel hose.
Faulty ventilation.
Appearance of neglect.
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