Fuel System Crossover Lines

We are seeking to address teh issue of Fuel crossover line protection which is required under 393.65(f). A fuel line that extends more than 2 inches below the fuel tank or its sump and not encased a protective housing, should be added to the OOS.

Several accidents have been handled over the years with incidents caused by leaking fuel. It is not unusual for logging trucks to have their crossover lines in precarious positions. There are also many collisions between trucks and wild animals in Vermont. In one such incident, the driver was aware he had hit a small animal but did not know the encounter caused disconnection of the crossover line. In this instance, the truck was driven, leaking fuel, for 45 miles on a wet road. The combination of spilling fuel and water on the pavement led to extremely slippery conditions and several vehicles including other trucks and cars lost control.

FMCSR 393.65(f) prohibits crossover lines in the condition described. Although lines in this condition are certainly not desirable, there was a question of whether they constitute an imminent hazard. Since it is possible to write citations based on FMCSR 393.65(f), and there was no knowledge of widespread accidents due to low crossover lines, there was a reluctance to add them to the OOS. No changes were made.