Specifications

Fuel return lines must be fed into the fuel feed line below the fuel
tank.
• Competitors must only use hoses for the fuel system as supplied by the
Organisers.
It is permissible for each team to provide and install suitable
connectors for these fuel lines.
• For pressurised fuel systems the hoses connecting the pressure bottle with
the fuel tank cap must be flexible (do not need to be Rilsan / Nylon type) to
allow easy connection and in order to prevent side loading to the tank
necks.
Article 75: Fuel System
• The participants must provide a description and a precise technical drawing
of the fuel supply system from the tank to engine.
• This system must be designed in such a way that it can be completely
drained and refilled before the competition.
• The fuel line between the tank and the engine must not include any
additional elements (no additional filters or valves).
• For diesel engines, a cut-off solenoid valve is required.
• Any fuel system including a float chamber (carburettor) must be fitted with a
drain valve at the bottom of the carburettor enabling Inspectors to partially
drain the chamber and to ensure that the fuel level goes down in the tank.
• The air intake manifolds must not contain any fuel or blowby gas when the
vehicle is on the starting line prior to departure. Blowby gas must not be
recycled during the competition but needs to be collected in a specific
canister for environmental protection.
Blowby gas: gas inside the engine (in particular, oil vapours, unburnt
gas or gas in the combustion chamber that has not been evacuated
in the exhaust). This gas is usually recovered at the intake manifold.
This is known as blowby gas re-circulation.
• The fuel system must be easily accessible for inspection and
measurements.
• It must be possible to set the fuel supply system to atmospheric pressure
for measurement of the fuel level. The pressurisation system must be
equipped with a pressure gauge and normal running pressure must be
clearly marked on the gauge.
• The standard fuel consumption measurement method for liquid fuels is by
volumetric replacement of the fuel consumed and temperature corrected
fuel (including temperature correction).
• The fuel consumption of gasoline and ethanol powered vehicles capable of
achieving 1500km/l (3528 mpg) or more will be measured gravimetrically. At
the Start a Technical Inspector will fill the fuel system and then the entire
fuel system (including tank, injector, pipes, carburettor) will be weighed on a
precision balance. All these components must be compact and easily
detachable for weighing purposes. After completion of a successful run, the
entire fuel system will be deinstalled and weighed again on the same
balance. This handling of the fuel system, including mounting to and
dismounting from the vehicle and transporting it to the weighing room must
be performed by a competent team member with has the a valid garage
access pass. The entire process of handling the fuel system will be
supervised by a Technical Inspector. The weighing will also be performed
by a Technical Inspector and needs to be witnessed by a Team Member.
• Fuel is a volatile product. Therefore, it is not allowed to artificially increase
the fuel system temperature, which would lead to the formation of vapour
locks. Conversely, cooling or refrigeration of the fuel below ambient
temperature is also prohibited.
Shell Eco-marathon ® Official Rules 2011 – Chapter 1
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