iank
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| posted on 19/6/09 at 09:18 AM |
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VOSA dispensations for SVA/IVA rule changes.
I've seen at least one Dispensation of rules (up until 28th April 2010) issued by DoT/VOSA to allow time for a manufacturer to change their
design to comply with rules that have changed between SVA and IVA.
So they are being sensible about introducing rules that hurt people with half built kits, but does anyone know of a collected place for such
waivers?
The particular one I've seen is pretty specific to the Freestyle/mid engined cars with the fuel tank behind the seats (we are being allowed to
keep the fuel filler in what has now been categorised as the 'engine compartment' - long story but it's safe enough where it is as
proven by VOSA allowing it for now).
http://www.muddybuggies.com/Buggies-Forum/index.php/topic,1029.30.html for more details.
Thanks to Alan (aka FEZ1025) for negotiating with VOSA for us.
[Edited on 19/6/09 by iank]
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Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Anonymous
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m8kwr
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| posted on 19/6/09 at 12:08 PM |
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I phoned vosa up, i am designing a mid engine single seater, so the ideal place is for the fuel tank to be behind the drivers seat - the only other
place is probably at the front of the car.
I told them that the fuel tank was not going to be part of the engine bay, and not accessible etc.
My only other concern was the exhaust, as they would be close the firewall, then the fuel tank etc.
They suggested i used some heat shield, and then explain why i did what i did, and my thought process behind it. They seemed to say if you know about
what is written and explain your actions, it is better then just doing something without knowing.... if you get what i mean.
From the IVA manual....
8. Fuel Tanks must not be positioned near a heat source (similar in installation to that of a type approved vehicle), so that a leak could cause a
fire hazard.
13. Any fuel filler neck or vent must not allow spilt fuel to be able to fall onto the exhaust system.
14. Fuel tank filling points must not be located in the passenger compartment, luggage compartment or within an engine compartment.
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iank
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| posted on 19/6/09 at 12:42 PM |
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Yep, it's 14 that is being waived, the standard buggy tank runs a solid exit pipe through the engine bay and out to a cap on the side of the
car. So the cap is arguably outside the engine bay, indeed it's it's got the radiator between it and the engine, but by the definitions
given it's engine bay.
Picture to help visualise
We also got the same information about tanks and the exhaust manifold. We queried what 'near' means but they are refusing to give a
figure, or even a minimum distance, so it's down to tester discretion. The heat shielding is fine and sensible but doesn't fix the
problem that you'll only know if you're going to pass on the day depending on whether the tester is in a good mood. If he fails it as too
close then there's not much you can do but re-engineer the whole tank location as you can't challenge his opinion.
But my real question is that there seems likely to be a list of dispensations/waivers kicking around and it would be good to know if we can all look
at them. Might save a lot of re-engineering/money for those that just missed SVA.
--
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Anonymous
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