Safety is an important factor when servicing the fuel system. Failure to conduct
maintenance and repairs in a safe manner may result in serious personal injury.
Maintenance and testing of the vehicle's fuel system components can be accomplished
safely and effectively by adhering to the following rules and guidelines.
- To avoid the possibility of fire and personal injury, always disconnect
the negative battery cable unless the repair or test procedure requires that
battery voltage be applied.
- Always relieve the fuel system pressure prior to disconnecting any fuel
system component (injector, fuel rail, pressure regulator, etc.), fitting
or fuel line connection. Exercise extreme caution whenever relieving fuel
system pressure to avoid exposing skin, face and eyes to fuel spray. Please
be advised that fuel under pressure may penetrate the skin or any part of
the body that it contacts.
- Always place a shop towel or cloth around the fitting or connection prior
to loosening to absorb any excess fuel due to spillage. Ensure that all fuel
spillage is quickly removed from engine surfaces. Ensure that all fuel soaked
cloths or towels are deposited into a suitable waste container.
- Always keep a dry chemical (Class B) fire extinguisher near the work area.
- Do not allow fuel spray or fuel vapors to come into contact with a spark
or open flame.
- Always use a backup wrench when loosening and tightening fuel line connection
fittings. This will prevent unnecessary stress and torsion to fuel line piping.
Always follow the proper torque specifications.
- Always replace worn fuel fitting O-rings. Do not substitute fuel hose where
fuel pipe is installed.
